In 1895 the firm erected a substantial four story brick building in Hereford Street, Christchurch which was the largest boot factory in the Colony.
After Allan's retirement and subsequent death, Skelton Frostick fell victim to the difficult conditions of the Great Depression and was liquidated in the 1930s.
Allan was also active in the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, and one of the earliest members and the first treasurer of Christchurch's Union Rowing Club.
Allan, in personal capacity and in his role as director was heavily involved in the promotional exhibitions of New Zealand made products.
It appears that Munro's dictatorial approach and treatment of his fellow commissioners took a serious toll on the organising committee and it is likely that in frustration Allan withdrew from the commission, sighting ill health as the reason.
The Colonist of 11 August 1906 stated that Sir Joseph Ward had accepted Robert Allan's resignation.
On 14 April 1869 Allan was married to Martha Haswell Wood at St Michaels Church, Merivale by the Very Rvd.
Robert Allan was staying at Nukatawhiti, his son's sheep station in Northland, at the time of his death in 1927.