Like an ocean liner, the construction and opening of Lewis’ (now Primark) in 1957 brought huge excitement to the city. The department store, along with Jones and Co, provided a huge attraction for visitors to Broadmead.
The stores were also another sign of Birstol’s recovery from the ravages of the Blitz.
On opening, Lewis’, which was so big it featured 200 departments, had 100,000 visitors. There was even a roof garden restaurant with a fountain and flower beds. In the early days it was asuccess, but in the late 70s competition led to the store’s downfall and it would later be operated by John Lewis, Bentalls and Primark as it is today.
Jones and Co opened four months before Lewis’, and just like its competitor it offered shoppers virtually everything under one roof, including a ‘meeting place with 35 seats on the third floor’. The store was taken over by Debenhams in 1972, which closed in 2021 and has since been purchased by a London group.
Here are pictures documenting the history of the two sites:
1. Empty space - 1953
No Lewis’ (now Primark) or Jones and Co (later Debenhams) are standing ahead of construction work on the two stores.
2. Ground work - Lewis’ construction - 1954
The road around the site of the future Lewis’ (now Primark) is boarded as work begins on the structure of the department store.
3. Lewis’ construction from Union Street junction - 1955
The Samuel Morley statue can be seen in the middle of the junction leading to Horsefair on the right. Also on the right is the construction of Lewis’ (now Primark).
4. Almost there, Lewis’ construction - 1956
Advertisements can now be seen outside of the Lewis’ (now Primark) store ahead of opening