They turn back the clock to the 1930s when work began on building department store Lewis's on The Headrow in the city centre. Lewis's originated as a small shop in Liverpool managed by David Lewis an apprentice tailor who decided to set up a menswear business of his own. This was founded in 1856 and the slogan was 'Lewis's, the friends of the people'. The aim was to supply good quality, well cut colourful clothing to the working classes. This aim extended to home furnishings and so Lewis's became a department store. After David Lewis's death his nephew Louis Cohen took over the company and recruited Frederick James Marquis to the board (later to become Lord Woolton, Minister of Food). With stores already successful in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, Marquis acquired the Leeds site for £160,000 and work was begun on the £750,000 store. It was opened in September 1937. Originally it was only one floor with the remainder completed 1938. READ MORE: 18 memories of Leeds department store Lewis's LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Lewis's in Leeds
The Lewis's Store looking from junction of Lands Lane with The Headrow in July 1934. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
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The Headrow (this part was formerly known as Upperhead Row) looking east, showing the construction site of the store in July 1931. The site was bought for £160,000 and the area was cleared of several old yards and many properties between the Headrow right and Mark Lane, to the left. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Lewis's in Leeds
August 1931 and the excavations are complete with building work underway. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Lewis's in Leeds
The Headrow at the junction with Wade Lane (left) with the construction of the new Lewis's store well underway in December 1931. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Lewis's in Leeds
Store construction in August 1931. At this time The Headrow was undergoing substantial alterations including widening to 80 feet. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Lewis's in Leeds
The store, pictured during construction in October 1931, was planned to have five retail floors and also basements store service floors. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net