A historic Derbyshire department store that has gone into administration claimed to be the oldest in the world. Bennetts had long staked a claim to have been the first ever department store, tracing its roots back to 1734. Administrators have been appointed to manage Bennetts' Derby and Ashbourne stores. The Iron Gate business is considered the oldest in the city by a country mile. Bennetts started life as an ironmongers, under the name Weatherhead Walters and Company. It later extended its product range to include agricultural tools, seed and oilcake – the solid residue left when oil is extracted from seeds which would be used for animal feed, becoming a rudimentary department store in the process. Today, the store sells furniture, beauty products, giftware, fashion and collectable china, among other items, and has another shop in Ashbourne. Despite being in administration, it will stay open in the short term and it is hoped that it will be sold as a going concern. A rich and … [Read more...] about Troubled department store claimed to be the oldest in the world
Department store definition
Department store opening hours for Boxing Day including M&S and John Lewis
If you are planning to shop on Boxing Day to make the most of the first official day of the sales in store, we'd recommend checking the opening times before venturing out. Let's be honest, it's cold out there and time is tight over the festive break, so no body wants a wasted trip. Whether you're looking for opening times for Debenhams and John Lewis, or fancy a browse in upmarket stores like Harvey Nicholas and Selfridges, you can find all the times here. But for a definitive guide it is always best to check the retailer's website. We have also rounded up where to find the best sale deals as retailers slash prices on everything from tech gadgets and home appliances to beauty and fashion. Debenhams Debenhams opening hours will vary from store to store, so make sure you check your nearest stores opening hours before heading out. Boxing Day - all stores will be open, but many will close earlier than normal - use the store locator tool online to check details for your nearest store. … [Read more...] about Department store opening hours for Boxing Day including M&S and John Lewis
Radio Ulster’s Wendy Austin on her feisty, independent and determined granny Mollie, who presided over the family department store in Londonderry
Radio Ulster's Wendy Austin on her feisty, independent and determined granny Mollie, who presided over the family department store in Londonderry BelfastTelegraph.co.uk There aren't many with a family history as rich and vibrant as BBC Radio Ulster's Wendy Austin, whose lineage is weaved into the very fabric that makes up the tapestry of Londonderry. Wendy, who presents Inside Business on BBC Radio Ulster, is extremely proud of her grandparents, Mollie and Glover Austin, who ran Austins Department store in the city's Diamond. The store was established in 1830 and, until 2016, remained standing as the world's oldest independent department store. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/radio-ulsters-wendy-austin-on-her-feisty-independent-and-determined-granny-mollie-who-presided-over-the-family-department-store-in-londonderry-37624511.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/article37624502.ece/fa708/AUTOCROP/h342/2018-12-14_lif_46513436_I1.JPG Email There … [Read more...] about Radio Ulster’s Wendy Austin on her feisty, independent and determined granny Mollie, who presided over the family department store in Londonderry
Pop up shop and 11 new jobs at former department store
A new emporium-style pop up shop is set to breathe new life into a former Teesside department store building. And the venture, at the former Beales in Redcar, will create 11 new jobs just in time for Christmas. Newlife Redcar is set to open its doors to the public in December at the Regent Walk premises and will sell a range of fashion, homeware and other goodies at cut prices. The pop up shop is the second of its kind to open in the North this year, the other is based on Merseyside, and will open initially for six months. If the store proves successful, say Newlife, there might be an opportunity to extend the time further. The 30,000 sq ft site will open its doors to the public in December, with the sales floor taking up 5,000 sq ft selling a range of fashion and homeware and other goodies at cut-prices. Newlife is looking for staff to start work in the store straight away, roles include a deputy manager and 10 sales and stock processing roles ranging from full time to Saturday cover. … [Read more...] about Pop up shop and 11 new jobs at former department store
Death of the department store
Department stores are in decline across the country with traditional retailers announcing store closures, job losses and falls in profits. High street giant Debenhams recently announced plans to close around 50 stores - and it seems we could be witnessing the death of the department store. But does the old-fashioned retailer still have a place on Merseyside? For a certain type of shopper, the department store plays an important role in providing quality, familiarity and a range of brands under one roof. Standing outside House of Fraser in Birkenhead, it's easy to notice a trend among the shoppers heading in and out of the store. Overwhelmingly of an older generation, the people using this local department store are far less likely to shop online. We spoke to the shoppers still relying on department stories about the decline of the traditional retailer - and why is still has a place on Merseyside. "I would be lost without this place" In its heyday, it was THE shopping destination on … [Read more...] about Death of the department store