Rackhams, a name deeply intertwined with Birmingham’s retail history, was a symbol of elegance and sophistication in it’s golden years. Standing tall on Corporation Street, it was a beacon of high-end retail.
The rich history of Rackhams dates back to 1851 when it first opened as a retail drapery shop at 78 Bull Street, Birmingham. The business flourished, and in 1881, John Rackham and William Matthews took the reins. The store saw significant expansion in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
World War II brought challenges when bombs destroyed a third of the store in 1940. Despite this setback, the business rebounded and was acquired by Harrods in 1955, then purchased by House of Fraser in 1959.
House of Fraser proceeded with the plans for the new store which was opened in several stages between 1960 and 1966. The enlarged Rackham's store was extremely successful becoming one of the most important department stores in the city
However, in 2003, the Rackhams name was retired and replaced by House of Fraser.
Rackhams was more than just a department store; It was considered the ‘most posh store’ by Brummies in Birmingham city centre during it’s golden years. A place that offered a taste of luxury living to Brummies from all walks of life. Whether it was walking through the perfume department, sampling the latest scents, exploring the food hall’s delicious treats, or admiring the bridalwear in the Model Room, Rackhams was a place where everyone felt welcome.
The retirement of the Rackhams name, marked the end of an era, but its legacy lived on. The building that once housed Rackhams continued to serve as a department store under the House of Fraser brand.
The former Rackhams building, now named House of Fraser, is also set for a transformation.
Legal & General has proposed plans to convert the giant store into offices and a hotel. The scheme aims to transform most of the upper floors into office space, with ‘flexibility’ for the first floor and basement to be used for shops, bars, restaurants, professional services, cafes, or takeaways. The neighbouring building on Temple Row, currently occupied by Lloyds, is slated to become a 200-bedroom hotel.
The dates for this transformation are yet to be specified.
Here are 23 images to reminisce about the iconic Rackhams Department Store in Birmingham during the golden years:
1. Rackham's department store - 1960s
The rich history of Rackhams dates back to 1851 when it first opened as a retail drapery shop at 78 Bull Street, Birmingham | Facebook
2. Rackham's on Temple Row and Bull Street, Birmingham. 1950
Rackham's rebounded after damages from World War II and was acquired by Harrods in 1955, which was then purchased by House of Fraser in 1959. | Facebook
3. Rackhams store front in the 90s
Rackham's store was extremely successful regarded as one of the most important department stores in the city, in it's hey-days | Facebook - memories of birmingham
