The department stores had a presence in the city for several decades but the doors were closed for the last time in August 2021 at a cost of 299 jobs.
There has been concerns about what will happen to the building – but with listed status the site should be safe.
Sheffield Council is currently selling the landmark building on a 250-year lease.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal said there had been ‘15 or 16’ ‘credible and exciting’ bids for the Barker’s Pool site, which means it will not stand empty.
The future of the site is always a talking point among Sheffielders.
Here are 14 photos that demonstrate the shop’s importance and long history.
1. A first look
Opening day crowds on the first day of trading at Barker's Pool in 1963. Photo: JPIMedia
2. Cole Brothers, new store, Barkers Pool, Sheffield, 1963 - opening day crowds
Cole Brothers' building in Barker's Pool, Sheffield opened in 1963 and was rebranded as John Lewis in 2002. Photo: JPIMedia
3. Cole's the name
John Cole, one of the store's founders, who lived from 1814 to 1898. Photo: Picture Sheffield
4. An imposing building
Cole Brothers department store, in its original spot on the corner of Fargate and Church Street where Pret A Manger traded most recently until last year, looks extremely grand here in July 1905. The streets are decorated for the Royal visit of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Photo: Picture Sheffield