History of Southampton's Debenhams and Edwin Jones stores

Before the familiar blue and white signage of Debenhams adorned its facade, this prime location was home to another prominent department store, a name that resonated deeply with the city's residents - Edwin Jones.

The transition from Edwin Jones to Debenhams wasn't a simple rebranding, it was a story etched in the crucible of war and rebuilt from the ashes of devastation.

To truly understand the significance of the Debenhams building, we must journey back in time, beyond the gleaming displays and bustling aisles, to the era of its predecessor.

The original Edwin Jones store, a landmark in its own right, stood proudly on Queen’s Way, a hub of commerce and community life.

It was a place where generations of Southampton shoppers had found everything from fashionable attire to household necessities, a trusted name synonymous with quality and service.

But the idyllic existence of this retail haven was tragically shattered during the Second World War.

The relentless Blitz of 1940 rained destruction upon Southampton, and the Edwin Jones store, like so much of the town, was reduced to rubble.

The devastation was profound, leaving an indelible scar on the town's landscape.

Yet, through the ruins, the spirit of Southampton remained unbroken. The people, resilient and determined, began the arduous task of rebuilding their lives and their town.

And as the city slowly rose from the ashes, so too did the vision of a new Edwin Jones store, a symbol of hope and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

It would be nearly two decades before that vision would fully materialise.

The intervening years were a period of immense challenge and transformation, as Southampton grappled with the aftermath of war and embarked on a journey of renewal.

Finally, in 1959, the phoenix of retail rose from the ashes.

A magnificent new building, a beacon of modernity and progress, emerged on Queen’s Way.

It was more than just a store, it was a symbol of Southampton's resurgence, a tangible representation of its unwavering belief in a brighter future.

The Daily Echo, captured the excitement and anticipation surrounding the grand opening, describing the new Edwin Jones building as "the most up-to-date departmental store in the South."

This wasn't mere hyperbole; the store was a marvel of its time, boasting cutting-edge design, innovative displays, and a vast array of merchandise that catered to every need and desire.

The official opening, which took place on March 10, 1959, was a momentous occasion, a cause for celebration throughout the town.

The festivities commenced the night before with a grand celebration dinner held in the store's elegant Queen’s Restaurant.

Dignitaries, local officials, and prominent citizens gathered to mark the auspicious occasion, their spirits high with optimism and pride.

The chairman of Debenhams, J Bedford, delivered a stirring speech, weaving together the rich tapestry of Southampton's history with the promising future that lay ahead.

He spoke eloquently of the town's illustrious past, invoking the names of historical figures such as Alfred the Great, King Canute, Henry II, the Black Prince, Henry V, and the Pilgrim Fathers, reminding those present of the deep roots of Southampton's heritage.

He also touched upon the origins of Debenhams itself, tracing its lineage back to its founding in 1778.

Mr Bedford's words resonated deeply with the audience, his vision of Southampton's future inspiring hope and confidence.

"I believe the future of Southampton will be even more glorious than its past," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction.

"We have given proof of it here because we have spent already half a million more than we received in compensation for war damage. We believe that the future of Southampton is greater than its past and we look with anticipation to playing our part in the future history of Southampton as a city whose boundaries cannot be defined."

His words were prophetic, for just a few years later, on February 24, 1964, Southampton was granted city status, a testament to its growth, resilience, and enduring significance.

The memories of the pre-war store, though tinged with sadness, were also fondly recounted during the celebrations.

Stories were shared of the challenges faced by staff during the war years, their dedication and resilience in the face of adversity.

It was noted that women constituted 85 per cent of their customer base, and given the store’s location on Queen’s Buildings in Queen’s Way, it was deemed fitting that the new store be opened by a lady – Mrs Bedford.

The managing director, Mr C Douglas Smith, was effusive in his praise for everyone involved in the construction of the new store, acknowledging the collective effort that had brought this ambitious project to fruition.

His dedication and leadership were recognized with the presentation of a gold watch, a token of appreciation for his invaluable contributions.

While Debenhams had owned the store since 1928, the name Edwin Jones, a name synonymous with quality and trust, continued to grace the building for many years.

It wasn't until 1973 that the store finally adopted the Debenhams brand, marking a new chapter in its long and fascinating history.

Up until its closure in 2020, as shoppers traversed the aisles of Debenhams on Queen’s Way, the echoes of Edwin Jones still lingered, a reminder of the store's integral role in the story of Southampton.