Exactly seventy years ago, a palpable buzz of anticipation filled the crisp morning air. Shoppers, their hearts brimming with eager anticipation, ventured out early, drawn like moths to a newly lit flame. Their destination? The grand unveiling of Southampton's latest fashion emporium, the resplendent C&A Modes, gracing Above Bar with its modern allure.

This wasn't just another shop opening, it was a symbolic rebirth, a gleaming beacon of progress in a town still bearing the scars of war.

The austere post-war period, with its lingering bomb sites whispering tales of the Blitz, was slowly yielding to a sense of renewed hope.

The sleek, glass-fronted facade of C&A Modes stood as a testament to this transformation, a tangible representation of a town looking forward.

The date that changed clothes shopping in Southampton was Monday, February 28, 1955. On this day, C&A Modes swung open its doors, revealing a retail paradise the company proudly proclaimed "the finest on the south coast, entirely devoted to ladies' and children's fashions." This grand reopening wasn't a mere relocation; it was a triumphant return.

The story of C&A in Southampton began in September 1936, a promising chapter cut short by the devastating air raid of November 30, 1940.

For nearly seven long years, Southampton's fashion-conscious residents were left yearning for the familiar charm of C&A.

Then, in May 1947, a temporary, prefabricated structure of concrete and corrugated asbestos arose from the ashes.

The immediate, enthusiastic response from the town's women underscored the enduring popularity of the brand.

The new, purpose-built store, strategically positioned opposite the Civic Centre and a mere stroll from the bustling former Hants and Dorset bus station, was a marvel of its time.

Boasting more than 20,000 square feet of showroom space, it was a veritable haven for fashion enthusiasts.

Eighty dedicated staff members stood ready to assist, their presence a symbol of the store's commitment to exceptional customer service.

A company spokesperson, brimming with pride, declared, "For the first time since the bombing of 1940, really spacious accommodation can be given to all departments – coats, suits, furs, rainwear, day and evening dresses, knitwear, blouses, skirts, millinery and children’s wear."

The Daily Echo, capturing the excitement of the moment, described the "huge showrooms attractively decorated and lit by the most up-to-date fluorescent lighting, which gives high colour fidelity."

The meticulous attention to detail extended to the fitting rooms, nearly fifty in number, designed for absolute privacy, a luxury in those times.

The store's allure was undeniable. The expansive, glass-fronted arcades, stretching invitingly beneath a protective canopy, drew customers in like a magnet.

The modern lighting and heating systems, lauded as the most advanced available, added to the store's sophisticated ambiance.

Three years later, the store expanded its offerings, introducing a men's department to cater to a wider clientele. From "dark suits on conservative lines" to "Italian-styled shorty overcoats," the store aimed to please every discerning gentleman.

Prices were equally appealing, with men's suits ranging from £4 9s 11d to £16.80, trousers at £2 7s 6d, and "splendid Harris tweed sports jackets" at £4 18s.

Behind the scenes, the 80-strong team enjoyed well-appointed staff facilities, including a canteen, restroom, and a sick room, highlighting the company's commitment to employee welfare.

The C&A story itself was one of remarkable growth, tracing its roots to a small dress shop in the Dutch market town of Sneek, run by the ambitious Brenninkmeijer brothers, Clemens and August.

Their initials, forever immortalised in the company name, symbolised a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit.

The brand's expansion to London in 1922 further cemented its place in the retail landscape.

However, after nearly eight decades of trading in the UK, C&A announced its decision to close all its British stores in 2000, a move that resulted in the loss of 4,800 jobs nationwide.

In Southampton, the closure marked the end of a 64-year relationship between the company and the city, sadly leaving 34 individuals without employment.

The once vibrant store, a symbol of post-war optimism, closed its doors, leaving behind a legacy of fashion, innovation, and cherished memories.