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.

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.

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9. Step inside

The original name remains in 2001. Photo: Andrew Partridge

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10. Time for a rebrand

The Cole Brothers sign is removed as the store's name changes to John Lewis in 2002. The shop had long been a branch of the partnership but the firm wanted to give its outlets a more unified image. Photo: Submitted