As the 20th century progressed, so a modest drapery establishment started by Henry Binns grew to eventually become the largest department store on Wearside.
Which Sunderland store had five storeys and four restaurants?
Which Sunderland store had two buildings on opposite sides of the road with a subway to connect them – as well as a post office, hairdressers and a telephone room? And a spiral staircase which drew plenty of admiring glances.
The answer, of course, is Binns and we take a look at its history with the help of Philip Curtis from Sunderland Antiquarian Society.
Binns shop in Fawcett Street with ornate street lamps in front. In 1884, Binns was in High Street West but, to expand, two residences in Fawcett Street were bought and converted into a shop.
A Binns drapery delivery van in the early 20s. By 1900, Binns employed 30 staff and, during the first twenty years of the century, most of the rest of the Fawcett Street block was bought for further expansion.
Binns between the wars.
In April 1941, disaster struck when most of the Fawcett Street premises were destroyed after a heavy bombing raid.
Within three days the store was operating again from the converted motor store in Holmeside but many staff had to be laid off.
