Lewis's was the place to go for generations of aspirational shoppers and bargain-hunters all keen for their fix of retail therapy. It opened on the newly-widened Headrow in September 1932 and served the city for more than 60 years before becoming an Allders in the mid-1990s. This collection of photos focus on Lewis's in the 1970s and 1980s and include the legendary Christmas decorations and displays. The images are are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. We hope they evoke happy memories. READ MORE: Schofields Leeds in 12 photos - The department store which stood proud among the city's shopping elite | Changing Leeds - Walk down The Headrow through the decades LOVE LEEDS? LOVE RETRO? Join 'Leeds Retro' on facebook
. Lewis's in Leeds
Is this the Lewis's you remember? PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Lewis's in Leeds
The ladies' fashion department. Two mannequins display fashions of the day, typical of the early 1980s featuring batwing sleeves and exaggerated shoulder pads. Ladies' winter coats and suits are also visible. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Lewis's in Leeds
Do you remember the perfumery department? It was on the ground floor along with fashion accessories and boots and shoes. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Lewis's in Leeds
Christmas displays in the Perfumery department. A fountain with tropical plants is in the foreground and there are gold reindeer heads above the merchandise. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Lewis's in Leeds
June 1980 and this spectacular float was Lewis's entry to the 7th Annual Lord Mayor's Parade, seen here on Woodhouse Moor before departure. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Lewis's in Leeds
June 1980 Lewis's staff can be seen in costume derived from the American West at 7th Annual Lord Mayor's Parade. Lewis's won the 'Lord Mayor's Award for Best Overall Entry' | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Lewis's in Leeds
Four 'saloon girls' from Lewis's department store have left their American Wild Western 'steam engine' in the 7th Lord Mayor's Parade to present the Lord Mayor, Councillor Eric Atkinson MBE with a one hundred dollar bill | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Lewis's in Leeds
June 1980 and crowds of people line The Headrow and the corner of Lewis's for the 7th Annual Lord Mayor's Parade. Santa waves to the crowds and man seen centrally with spectacles is Lewis's general manager Steven Arundel. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
1. Lewis's in Leeds
The ladies' fashion department. Two mannequins display fashions of the day, typical of the early 1980s featuring batwing sleeves and exaggerated shoulder pads. Ladies' winter coats and suits are also visible. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Lewis's in Leeds
Do you remember the perfumery department? It was on the ground floor along with fashion accessories and boots and shoes. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Lewis's in Leeds
Christmas displays in the Perfumery department. A fountain with tropical plants is in the foreground and there are gold reindeer heads above the merchandise. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Lewis's in Leeds
June 1980 and this spectacular float was Lewis's entry to the 7th Annual Lord Mayor's Parade, seen here on Woodhouse Moor before departure. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Lewis's in Leeds
June 1980 Lewis's staff can be seen in costume derived from the American West at 7th Annual Lord Mayor's Parade. Lewis's won the 'Lord Mayor's Award for Best Overall Entry' | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Lewis's in Leeds
Four 'saloon girls' from Lewis's department store have left their American Wild Western 'steam engine' in the 7th Lord Mayor's Parade to present the Lord Mayor, Councillor Eric Atkinson MBE with a one hundred dollar bill | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net