Extinction and Evolution: Department Stores in London's West End, 1945–1982

Abstract

Department stores in London's West End, generally established during the nineteenth century, had become important elements of the physical landscape by the interwar period. They were of both economic significance and iconic status, and contributed to the wider commercial and social life of the metropolis. Not all survived the twentieth century, however. Despite recovery in the immediate post Second World War period, by the 1970s and 1980s they were often referred to as anachronisms and several closed. This paper suggests that while some failed to compete, others successfully developed the key area of fashion retailing. Whatever their retail and marketing strategies, the stores were all vulnerable to the acquisition tactics of retail entrepreneurs and property magnates, especially in the aggressive central London property market.