Based on an article in Hindsight, April 2020, by Robin Phillips

Aaron Phillips was born in 1841 in West Down, Devon, a son of Thomas (farmer & blacksmith). Thomas wanted his children to prosper, so educated them well. After boarding school, the boys were sent to London, under supervision of an uncle. There in 1857 Aaron was apprenticed with Duffield & Co, drapers, and later he was a representative for a large Manchester company.

Then in 1884 his uncle had left him enough money to start a business of his own. He chose to start in Northampton and soon his son Herbert joined him. They prospered and opened a shop at Kettering in 1890, and at Rushden in 1891.

At Rushden: 'Louis Franz, a brother of Herbert Phillips opened the business in Rushden in 1891. At this time, the High Street was not fully developed and the original store was in a converted barn attached to a farm situated on the High Street. By 1903 the store required larger and more modern premises and this led to the move to 96 High Street. As the business developed, 98 High Street was added in 1914, and in 1927, during extensive alterations, 94 High Street was also added to the premises. After the premature death of Louis Franz, the business was continued under his son Leslie, who was the manager until his death in 1981.'