The company, founded by George Robinson with his nephew John William Little at London, Ontario in 1875, moved its headquarters to Winnipeg in 1904. The company was incorporated as Robinson, Little and Company in 1913 and it opened small department stores throughout western Canada.
In 1947, the Robinson family interest was sold and, two years later, Gamble-Skogmo of Minneapolis, Minnesota bought controlling interest. It returned to Canadian ownership in 1957 under the leadership of Adam Newton Leckie.
The company operated over 200 “Robinson Stores” until forced into bankruptcy in March 1985 and its assets were sold to F. W. Woolworth.
Period
President
?-1947
W. E. Robinson
1947-1957
?
1957-1962
Adam Newton Leckie (1895-1962)
1962-1985
Clarissa Celeste Bearden “Clare” Leckie (1904-1996)
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Robinson, Little and Company Building / Silpit Building (54 Arthur Street, Winnipeg)
“A tradition of service,” Winnipeg Free Press, 9 March 1963, page 60.
“Parties looking at troubled chain,” Winnipeg Free Press, 8 January 1985, page 38.
“Robinson losing 30 stores,” Winnipeg Free Press, 22 January 1985, page 45.
“FIRA clears Woolworth deal with Robinson,” Winnipeg Free Press, 29 March 1985, page 27.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 1 November 2025
