Southampton: The Edwin Jones department store’s rich history and its rebirth as Debenhams reflect the resilience of the city through war and reconstruction. This article explores the store’s pivotal role in community life and its lasting significance to Southampton’s identity until its closure in 2020.
The history of the iconic Debenhams building on Queen’s Way in Southampton is interwoven with the tale of its predecessor, the Edwin Jones department store, which closely mirrored the experiences of the city itself through periods of hardship and rebirth.
Edwin Jones was more than just a retail establishment; it served as a cornerstone of community life, where generations of local shoppers sourced everything from clothing to home essentials. However, this cultural and commercial hub faced a devastating blow during the Second World War. The relentless aerial bombardments of the Blitz in 1940 reduced the Edwin Jones store to rubble, leaving a stark reminder of the destruction that impacted Southampton and its people.
Despite the bleakness of the post-war landscape, the residents of Southampton demonstrated remarkable resilience and began the long and arduous journey of rebuilding. Nearly two decades later, this determination culminated in the unveiling of a new Edwin Jones store, symbolising hope and rejuvenation for both the retail sector and the community at large. In 1959, the newly constructed building emerged as a beacon of modernity amid the post-war reconstruction efforts, signalling a promise of progress.
On March 10, 1959, the new Edwin Jones store officially opened to the public. The Daily Echo captured the excitement surrounding the grand unveiling, describing it as “the most up-to-date departmental store in the South.” The opening festivities included a celebratory dinner the night prior, attended by dignitaries, local officials, and esteemed citizens, all eager to partake in marking this momentous occasion.
J Bedford, chairman of Debenhams, spoke passionately during the event, intertwining Southampton’s storied history with aspirations for its future. Drawing connections to historical figures such as Alfred the Great and Henry V, he expressed optimism about Southampton’s trajectory. “I believe the future of Southampton will be even more glorious than its past,” he proclaimed. This optimism was reflected in the substantial investment of half a million pounds more than received in compensation for war damage, underscoring the commitment to the city’s recovery and growth.
The opening of the store not only represented the resilience of the business community but also honoured the contributions of those who weathered the war’s challenges. Women’s pivotal role in the consumer base, comprising 85 per cent, was recognised, culminating in the decision to have Mrs Bedford inaugurate the new establishment.
The new store operated under the Edwin Jones name until 1973, when it officially rebranded as Debenhams. However, even after the transition, the legacy of Edwin Jones lingered; the echoes of its past entwined with the memories of those who traversed the aisles, serving as a testament to both the evolution of Southampton’s retail landscape and the enduring spirit of the city’s inhabitants.
As Debenhams operated until its closure in 2020, it remained a significant landmark, marking a chapter in Southampton’s narrative of resilience, renewal, and the vitality of community identity amidst changing times.
Source: Noah Wire Services
