Once, every high street had a department store, and they marched the length of Oxford Street. Going up to town to shop at one of these grand emporia and lunch in the top-floor restaurant, or take the children to see Father Christmas, was both a huge treat and completely normal. But the demise of Debenhams, including historic Arding & Hobbs, and Army & Navy at Victoria along with many other House of Fraser stores, confirms that the traditional department store is now an endangered species. In the last five years alone, 83% have gone. Now, for the first time, Tessa Boase chronicles this fabulous world, from Derry & Toms with its roof garden to the Moderne lines of Holdrons in Peckham Rye (now Mr Khan's Discount), as well as Gamages' peerless toy department, Woollands' 21 Shop for cutting-edge Sixties fashion and Chiesmans' menagerie of snakes and lionesses. There is even a guided walking tour of the West End's lost stores.
About the AuthorTessa Boase is a former Daily Telegraph journalist and author of The Housekeeper's Tale and Mrs Pankhurst's Purple Feather and Etta Lemon.
Book InformationISBN 9781838405137
Author Tessa BoaseFormat Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Safe Haven BooksPublisher Safe Haven Books
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 170mm * 170mm * 10mm