Atkinsons bosses 'overwhelmed' by response to report on Sheffield's last department store
The bosses of Sheffield’s last department store have admitted to being “overwhelmed” by the response to a report on the 154-year-old business.
Atkinsons’ new newsletter was viewed more than 120,000 times and attracted 2,400 likes on Facebook.
Hundreds of people expressed their love for the historic store after Nicholas and Christine Atkinson lifted the lid on the trials and responsibilities of making it a success.
Nicholas Atkinson, who has been in the business for 54 years, said it was “built on customer service” and being pleasant to customers and making them feel welcome.
On the response to the newsletter he wrote: “Amazing - and thank you for showing such an interest in Atkinsons.
“We hope to keep you engaged enough to come and visit us, see how we have changed over the last few years, and continue to support us on the high street.”
He is the fourth generation in the business, which has 41 departments, three restaurants, and a 400-space car park.
It is also the last department store in Sheffield city centre after the closure of Debenhams and John Lewis.
Nicholas wrote: “I often hope my great-great-grandfather, who founded the business in 1872, would be proud of the way the fourth generation runs it today.
“It is quite a responsibility, but we do our best - and our customers seem to enjoy the experience, which is what shopping should be all about.”
In a Facebook response, Tom Anderson wrote: “It's wonderful that Atkinson's survives in the modern world with the heritage of a real-life Grace Brothers.
“I've had friends visit from as far away as Sweden who want to go there and see a department store that hasn't been erased by modern corporate mergers.”
Julie Pratt said: “I love your shop. Not many like yours exist now. I always make a call on my way to football.
“I don’t live in Sheffield any more but often tell people about it.”
Emma Daley added: “Loved Atkinsons since being a young girl mesmerised by the crystal display gently spinning in the cabinet, I could have stood there for hours.
“Now I take my little girl in there to see it and Totty and Eccy and the penguins at Christmas.”
Atkinsons is advertising a ‘March event’ starting on Saturday 28th, with up to 70 per cent off.
Mr Atkinson added: “It is always a great event and certainly not one to miss, with a selection of ‘doorbusters’ throughout the store and free goodie bags for the first 300 customers through the door.”