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.
5. John Lews in Sheffield City Centre is set to close. Picture: Chris Etchells
John Lewis announced in March 2021 that it would not be reopening its Sheffield city centre department store, at Barker's Pool, following the latest lockdown. The announcement came just months after the retailer had signed a new lease with Sheffield City Council in August 2020 intended to keep it in the city centre for at least the next 20 years. Plans were recently announced to transform the listed building into a mixed-use landmark with independent shops, leisure facilities and a rooftop pocket park. Photo: Chris Etchells
6. Banners
The old John Banner department store, on Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, in November 1989. Photo: Picture Sheffield
7. Woolworths
The closing down sale at Woolworths department store on The Moor, in Sheffield city centre. It shut its doors for good on December 27, 2008. Photo: Picture Sheffield/Alex Ekins
8. Cole Brothers
Cole Brothers (later John Lewis) department store, at Barker's Pool, Sheffield city centre, in August 1987. Photo: Picture Sheffield