Established in 1885, Carew's was setup as an independent Wholesale and Retail Leather Merchant supplying the harness and shoe making trades with leather and grindery components. Situated in the center of Limerick City the business thrived quickly and soon built up a reputation for high quality leathers. The owner, James Carew, had formerly worked as manager with the Limerick Tannery, Callaghan & Sons, who were renowned for the quality of their leathers in the early part of the 20th century. James Carew died in 1927 and was succeeded by his nephew, John Carew.