A look back on the beloved department store, Lewis's in Birmingham city centre — originally opened on Corporation Street in 1885.
Founded by the 19th-century philanthropist and innovator David Lewis, it is now regarded as one of the forerunners of the modern department store.
The store traded throughout most of the twentieth century, bringing a taste of 34th street, New York, to Birmingham.
The first Lewis's store opened in Liverpool in 1856, primarily selling men's and boys' clothing, most of which was manufactured in-house.
The store expanded into women's clothing in 1864 and added various departments over the years. The first Lewis's store outside Liverpool opened in nearby Manchester in 1877, and another store was opened in Birmingham in 1885.
The Birmingham store was closed down in 1991 and rebranded two years later, as two separate sections called Temple Court and Priory Court, either side of the Minories Shopping parade.
In 2017, the building underwent yet another renovation and was dubbed The Lewis Building. Situated in Birmingham's thriving Colmore commercial district, the Space Works now rent out office space in the Lewis Building, at 35 Bull Street.
Lewis's, with its rich history and tradition, brought a taste of New York to Birmingham and left a lasting legacy in the city.
Primark, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to Birmingham's retail landscape but has quickly become a popular destination for fashion fans and value seekers alike. The Birmingham High Street Primark, which is the world's biggest Primark, opened its doors in 2019.
While both Lewis's and Primark have made significant contributions to Birmingham's retail scene, they offer different experiences.
Lewis's played a significant role in shaping Birmingham's retail landscape with its unique strengths and contribution to making Birmingham, a vibrant and diverse shopping destination.
Here are 18 images to remember the iconic Lewis's Department Store in Birmingham:
1. Lewis's building
Lewis’s had a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the mid-19th century. The Lewis’s Group continued to grow, opening branches across the country. However, it was in Birmingham that Lewis’s truly left its mark. | Lewis's building
2. Lewis's department store 1950s
Founded by the 19th-century philanthropist and innovator David Lewis, it is now regarded as one of the forerunners of the modern department store. | Lewis's Department Store Birmingham - facebook
3. Lewis's decorated for Christmas in the 1970s.
The store was known for its legendary promotions, especially around Christmas and Easter | facebook
4. Christmas illuminations in the Minories outside Lewis's store in Birmingham, 1968.
Lewis’s, with its unique promotions and celebrations, offered a shopping experience that many still fondly remember1 | Facebook Lewis's store