Extension Lewis's Limited

Shopping in the nineteenth century was a serious utilitarian business. Individual specialist shops had little or no display in their windows. The wealthy settled their accounts once a year. Lady Jeune, writing on the Ethics of Shopping, described the whole experience "a solemn and dreary affair" (Fortnightly Review 1895)

With the advent of the department store at the beginning of the twentieth century, shopping was to change. Department stores were "safe, pleasurable and emancipating places" according to feminist historian Erika Diane Rappaport. While no respectable woman could wander round the grimy, sinful, city centre, once within the portals of such an emporium, even a vicar's wife was free to loiter in public and enjoy herself. [Catherine Croft: Chain Reaction Building Design 17 May 2002 Page 17]

Reference    Building News 5 August 1910 page 205
Reference     Catherine Croft: Chain Reaction Building Design 17 May 2002 Page 17-