But Sheffield city centre was once spoilt for choice when it came to department stores. Cockaynes, Pauldens, and the Brightside and Carbrook Co-op Society store at Castle House are just some of the famous names which one graced the city.
C&A, British Home Stores and Debenhams are among the major players which have disappeared from the nation’s high streets, including Sheffield city centre, in recent years. But the biggest loss for Sheffield was probably John Lewis, which closed its Sheffield branch, at the home of the old Cole Brothers store on Barker’s Pool, in 2021 to great despair and with the loss of 299 jobs.
We’ve put together a retro photo gallery showing some of the best known department stores which have come and gone in Sheffield over the years. How many do you remember shopping at?
The majority of the photos are shared courtesy of Picture Sheffield, with others coming from The Star’s own archives.
1. British Home Stores
British Home Stores at Haymarket, Sheffield, looking towards Castle Market, in October 1975. Photo: Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers
2. Sunwin
Sunwin department Store at Sunwin House, Furnival Gate, Sheffield city centre, in October 2006. Photo: Picture Sheffield/Andy Barker
3. Debenhams
Debenhams, on The Moor, in Sheffield city centre, is pictured here on its last day of trading, May 15, 2021. The longstanding department store chain shut all its stores, including the one at Meadowhall, with the loss of 12,000 jobs nationwide. Plans were recently announced for a new food hall and 'makers market' at the old Debenhams building on The Moor. Photo: Dean Atkins
4. Walsh's
J. Walsh and Co. department store, Sheffield, in 1968. Photo: Picture Sheffield