John Lewis Sheffield: Fascinating photos show inside former department store when it was Cole Brothers

John Lewis in Sheffield – previously the city’s beloved Cole Brothers store before a rebrand – closed to much dismay in 2021.

Published 2nd Feb 2023, 04:45 BST

Updated 2nd Feb 2023, 07:21 BST

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. The council is selling off the site and a number of bids have been submitted to take it on.

Here are 14 photos that demonstrate the shop’s importance and long history.

Opening day crowds on the first day of trading at Barker's Pool in 1963.

1. A first look

Opening day crowds on the first day of trading at Barker's Pool in 1963. Photo: JPIMedia

Cole Brothers' building in Barker's Pool, Sheffield opened in 1963 and was rebranded as John Lewis in 2002.

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

John Cole, one of the store's founders, who lived from 1814 to 1898.

3. Cole's the name

John Cole, one of the store's founders, who lived from 1814 to 1898. Photo: Picture Sheffield

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.

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

John Lewis Sheffield