Recently updated on January 17th, 2020 at 11:28 pm
You don’t have to choose between shopping and sightseeing. Our Roundup of the world’s most historic department stores gives you the perfect excuse to hit the shops – after all, it’s all about the history.
Selfridges, London
It wasn’t the first department store in the UK, there are many which wrangle for that claim to fame (like Austins in Derry which opened its doors in 18030, or Bennetts in Derby which started as an ironmongers in 1734), but Selfridges is probably London’s flagship shopping outlet, even though it only opened in 1909. And its fame has rocketed with the hit TV drama about its american founder, Harry Selfridge.
Make your first stop at the Denim Studio which is stacked with 60 brands. If you struggle finding the perfect fit, there is even a ‘within the hours’ tailoring service.
Le Bon Marché, Paris
Although it opened in 1838, le Bon Marché wasn’t strictly a department store until 1852 – when owner Aristide Boucicaut decided ti would be better to sell a range of foods instead of just one. As with other stores around the world, which were joining the ‘department store’ trend, he brought Parisians fixed prices, home delivery and seasonal sales.
Make your first stop at the stunning beauty department, which stretches either side of the lavish escalators under and art deco ceiling. And if you have a non-EU passport and spend more than €175 in one day at Le Bon Marché, you can get a 12% VAT refund.
Hudson’s Bay, Toronto
The Hudson’s Bay chain had a head start, given Hudson’s Bay Company is North America’s oldest and longest-running corporation, founded in 1670 as a fur-trading company. One of the largest department store chains in Canada, they have 90 outlets across the country, with the oldest in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg; and the star store being Toronto’s million square foot Queen Street branch.
Make your first stop at the Room – the spectacular luxury women’s wear and shoe salon which opened in the Queen Street store in 2009 and displays exclusive brands in a boutique-style setting.
Mitsukoshi, Tokyo
Starting life as an unassuming kimono shop in 1673, it took until 1904 for the West’ craze for bying everything in one place to turn the simple store into a multi-department retailer, the main ranch is Nihombashi, although there are others in Tokyo.
Make your first stop the displays of kimonos at the Nihombashi branch, where the kimono accessories make the perfect, luggage allowance-friendly memento. Then head to the rooftop, to see their stands of bonsai trees and oriental orchids – less easy to transport home but still worth a look.
Lord & Taylor, New York
Most head straight to Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s, but these are mere newcomers, having opened in 1872, 1924 and 1858 respectively. If you;re looking for the original New York department store, head to Lord & Taylor. Dating back to 1826, although it moved three times before arriving at its current Fifth Avenue location, it’s kept its old traditions, playing the national anthem before opening each day.
Make your first stop the Cashmere Shop if you’re looking for luxury goods, or visit the two holidays shops – The Resort Shop for sun and swim wear and The Cold Weather Shop for woollies, boots and coats.
David Jones, Sydney
Australia’s flagship department store, branches of David Jones appear around the country, but it’s Sydney which hosts its history, having been home to its first store in 1838 and still leading the charge now with its Elizabeth Street shop, established in the 1920s.
Make your first stop at the Elizabeth Street store for the history, but also try Sydney’s Market Street branch: for those who’ve shopped till they dropped its food hall includes a wine bar, oyster bar, cheese and antipasto bar, boodle bar and sushi bar.