Globe readers share memories of former Wirral department store

House of Fraser opened on Grange Road in Birkenhead in 2005 after acquiring Beatties Department Store until its closure on March 25, 2020.

Before opening as Beatties, which was founded in 1877, the store was once Allansons, another department store.

The demolition is part of the latest phase of the regeneration of Birkenhead’s town centre. The works started on November 1, 2023 and are expected to run for a total of 16 weeks – with an estimated completion date of March 2024.

READ: House of Fraser building demolished in Birkenhead

House of Fraser building in Birkenhead being demolished (Image: Ian Fairbrother)

For generations, the department store was much-loved by shoppers with many remembering the toy department and restaurant.

Following the news, Globe readers have posted on the Wirral Globe Facebook page sharing their memories of the popular department store with many people reminiscing about working there.

Rachel Fletcher said: “Oh the memories…Dash tracksuits and Jaeger! The 'Powder Room' and toasted tea cakes in the Buttery. Feel a bit sad it’s been knocked down. Will always be Beatties.”

Phillip Alan Rippon said: “So sad, it was such an elegant and beautiful building inside and I have wonderful childhood memories of shopping in Beatties with my family.”

Sarah Oxo commented: “So sad. The toy department there in the 80s was just the best as well as toys and hobbies. Although I know that went some time ago.”

Helen An Den Connell said: “Really sad to see that go I have fond memories of it when it was Beatties, it was always my mum's favourite shop and I would go and play on the rocking horse upstairs while mum did her shopping. I then later grew up to work on country casuals for a while, and found my creative abilities on window display and merchandising.”

Victoria Mary Aspey said: “My memories of shopping in Birkenhead when little it was always buzzing. Really busy. Now it's a ghost town. So sad.”

Kathy Woodland added: “Sad to see it go. Went in there a lot over the past 57 years I've lived on the Wirral. The department stores were the best.”

Lyndsey Maclean said: “Very sad, worked there when it was Beatties.”

Anthony Briggs commented: “Remember as a kid going to the restaurant here it was posh and expensive back then.”

Sue Andrews said: “So sad I remember it like yesterday when it was Beatties, going to the Restaurant and the old rocking horse, Mum buying her makeup.”

Adam Robinson added: “Spent a part of my 1st ever wage packet there in 2002.”

Aniwed Griffiths said: “Went to Beatties every Saturday with the children. Nan always took them to the toy department and then to the restaurant, Lovely memories of a great store.”

Beverley Anne Hewett said: “I started to work there when I was 16 and when it was Beatties gutted to see this.”