Author Archives: buildingourpast

A Brief History of Wallis

Posted on February 11, 2021 by buildingourpast

The Wallis chain of women’s fashion shops was a familiar presence on British high streets for 97 years. It started out as a standard ‘costumier’, selling dresses and coats – called ‘mantles’ in the trade – including furs. The first … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion and Clothing | Leave a comment

Multiple Multiples: Disentangling the Story of Millets

Posted on December 16, 2020 by buildingourpast

Millets, the outdoor retail specialist, has maintained a strong presence on the British High Street for over 100 years. Recently I began to dig into Millets’ company history for my forthcoming book on chain stores. Before long I had stumbled … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion and Clothing | 13 Comments

The Story of Dorothy Perkins

Posted on November 28, 2020 by buildingourpast

Dorothy Perkins, like Etam, started out as a specialist in ladies’ underwear and lingerie. As with Burton, Dorothy Perkins’ stablemate in the Arcadia retail group, the commonly related history of the company doesn’t always fit the evidence. The usual version … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion and Clothing | Leave a comment

Food Experts: William Jackson & Son Ltd. of Hull

Posted on August 15, 2020 by buildingourpast

The History of William Jackson & Son Ltd. The Hull-based grocery, provisions and bakery business of William Jackson & Son Ltd. evolved into a coherent chain of convenience stores which was taken over by Sainsbury’s in 2004. The founder, William … Continue reading →

Posted in Provisions Shops, William Jackson & Son Ltd. | 1 Comment

Buttercup Dairy Company

Posted on August 12, 2020 by buildingourpast

A Potted History of the Buttercup Dairy Co Ltd. The Buttercup Dairy Co devised one of the most artistic and coherent retail house styles to be found on Scottish high streets in the 20th century. The shops of few other … Continue reading →

Posted in Buttercup Dairy Co, Provisions Shops | 2 Comments

Timothy Whites

Posted on June 3, 2020 by buildingourpast

Throughout much of the 20th century, Timothy Whites (later Timothy Whites & Taylors) was Boots the Chemist’s greatest rival. The chain was eventually swallowed up by Boots. In 1848, at the age of 23, Timothy White (1825-1908) took over William … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemists' Shops | Leave a comment

Saqui & Lawrence, Jewellers

Posted on May 22, 2020 by buildingourpast

The exact relationship between H. Samuel and Saqui & Lawrence has piqued a lot of interest. This is an attempt to clear things up – please comment if you have more information or images of Saqui & Lawrence shops that … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewellers Shops | 11 Comments

‘The Greatest Grocers in the World’: International Tea Company’s Stores

Posted on August 25, 2019 by buildingourpast

‘International Stores’ was a common sight on English high streets from 1878, when the first shop opened in Brentford, until 1988, when all remaining outlets were rebranded ‘Gateway’. To give the company its full name, ‘International Tea Company’s Stores’ was … Continue reading →

Posted in Provisions Shops | 4 Comments

Spotting Historic Shopfronts: Shrewsbury

Posted on July 23, 2019 by buildingourpast

Shrewsbury has an idyllic town centre, with a good range of interesting independent shops dotted amongst the usual national multiples. Traffic does not unduly bother the dedicated shopper, or the historic shop spotter. This pleasant historic environment should ensure the … Continue reading →

Posted in Spotter's Guides | 2 Comments

Spotting Historic Shopfronts: Hitchin

Posted on April 11, 2019 by buildingourpast

Initial impressions suggest that Hitchin in Hertfordshire is rich in historic shopfronts. Closer inspection, however, reveals much renewal at street level, whilst more authentic evidence of Hitchin’s commercial past survives above its shops (for example, look up to spot Freeman … Continue reading →

Posted in Butchers' Shops, Lipton's, Spotter's Guides | 3 Comments