Kendals proudly stood on Deansgate for over 170 years before it was renamed House of Fraser. During the department store's time, many Greater Manchester families have walked through its doors - to shop work and dine - with generations making memories in the building.
With concessions selling designer items, an underground food hall, beauty counters, extravagant window displays, Santa's Grotto in the run-up to Christmas, and then the big sales afterwards, the festive season was always a special time of year for the store in its glory days.
But at this point in time it's not known if this Christmas will be its last as a department store. House of Fraser is on a rolling six-month lease, and a refurb - that would bring offices to the huge, iconic, Grade II-listed Art Deco building on the west side of Deansgate - could begin in weeks.
READ MORE:
-
Inside Manchester's abandoned iconic building that's been left derelict for years
-
Incredible unearthed photos show how Manchester has changed since England won the World Cup in 1966
Starting life as Watts' in 1832, the department store was renamed Kendal, Milne & Faulkner in 1836. Over the years, it has had various names - including Harrods - when it was purchased by the company in 1919.
When the Harrods group, and therefore Kendals, was taken over by House of Fraser in 1959, the store continued trading as Kendals until 2005, when the House of Fraser name was adopted. Despite this, many Mancunians still refer to the department store as Kendals to this day.
Kendals used to be spread across two buildings on either side of Deansgate, with the two parts of the store, now occupied by House of Fraser and Waterstones, being linked by an underground tunnel. Shoppers could conveniently dash between each section via the secret subway.
The MEN recently posted a photo of the store as Kendals in our Greater Manchester history Facebook group. Many people who worked at the store shared their memories underneath the post.
Jacqui commented: “In the early sixties there was an advert in the MEN for Kendals for staff to be on permanent call for the twice yearly sales. I was still at school but applied and was accepted. The whole of the first day was staff training. At first I was in Glass and China, but after that, knitwear. I really enjoyed working there.”
Myrna said: “I worked at Kendals on cosmetics for Guerlain and was proud to do so, I made so many wonderful memories and friends. A truly wonderful store.” Derek wrote: “My first job in the gents department at 15 in 1963, I was paid £1.80 per week.”
Hilary commented: “I worked at Kendal's for the January Sales. I was put in the Underwear department where there were fabulous bargains for top brands. Our first day was staff training and we were told to call permanent staff if people needed measuring.
“However, some ladies asked for advice on sizes or fit, so I had to seem very experienced!! I enjoyed it immensely and remember it well. Possibly 1963/66. Loved to shop there even if only to look around.”
Other people shared memories of their shopping experiences at Kendals. Margaret said: “I bought my wedding dress from there in 1965.” Beverley commented: “I used to shop with my Nan there. Loved the shop but was scared stiff of the wooden escalators, especially after falling down them.”
Susan wrote: “Kendals was my favourite store of all time. I remember the Way In designer boutique which was amazing 50-odd years ago. The passage under Deansgate was always an adventure. I think it came out on the other side where Waterstones later was. I remember a men’s dept down there and luggage, too.”
Richard commented: “Christmas at Kendals in the 50s was a magic time, went there every year with Mum and Dad, remember getting a ViewMaster from the toy department as one of my presents -wonderful times!!” Linda added: “My auntie used to take me to look at the toys at Christmas and I remember the tunnel.”
One poster reminisced about eating at Kendals. Laurel said: “Going to the restaurant with my mother and my Aunt where the tables had white tablecloths, waitress service and a gentleman playing the piano. I had to be on my best behaviour.”
House of Fraser has been owned by Sports Direct since the chain fell into administration in 2018.
The building is owned by financiers Investec, an international banking giant, who put forward plans to turn the beloved Grade-II listed building on Deansgate into offices which were approved in 2021.
In January this year Investec indicated that development of the site could begin in 2023. They have also said some retail space will remain in the building on the ground, lower and possibly first floor.
But in a document submitted as part of the planning application, Investec's architect's Sheppard Robson made clear there was no future for a department store in Kendals.
"The single retailer model such as House of Fraser has ceased to be a viable business and cannot provide a long term occupant and viable use for the building," the architect said.
What are your memories of Kendals? Let us know in the comments section below.
Join our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group here.
Love Greater Manchester's past? Sign up to our new nostalgia newsletter and never miss a thing.
Read next:
- 'Fond memories' of lost underground market that was 'heart of Manchester' now left 'eerie' and 'empty'
-
Cereal box toys and tat that'll take you back to your Manchester childhood
-
Fascinating photos of Manchester's old Shambles Square being 'lifted' in 1971
-
Iconic 1980s television adverts many Mancunians will still remember
-
Inside nine abandoned buildings left decaying in Greater Manchester and beyond
