Imagine ladies in Islington fitted with new corsets. That’s Selbys in its heyday. We are standing outside Selbys, a department store with a rich history on Holloway Road. Selbys is not just a shop. It’s a landmark. It’s a testament to resilience.
James Selby founded the store in 1895. He acquired Treharnes, a small drapery business. It had only two shops on Holloway Road. Slowly, the business expanded. By World War I, Selbys had five shops.
The 1930s hit Selbys hard. Sales fell by 40% during the Great Depression. Mr. Selby faced financial troubles. A consortium of drapers financed the business. In 1931, it became a Limited Company.
World War II brought new challenges. London was evacuated and bombed. Trade was static. A land mine blew out the shop front. A small bomb caused more damage to Selbys.
By 1950, Selbys rebuilt. The shop front was replaced. More space was added. In 1968, Morley Stores Ltd. acquired Selbys. It became part of the Morley Stores group.
The old arcade was demolished in 1985. More selling space was created. The front doors were moved forward. This made a more inviting entrance.
Today, Selbys still stands on Holloway Road. It trades on three floors. It offers various departments. High street brands are available in-store. Selbys prides itself on service and quality. It provides a unique shopping experience.
Selbys offers a wide array of products. These include bedroom furniture and rugs. You can also find sofas and fashion accessories. Fragrances and handbags are available. Lingerie, nightwear, makeup, and skincare are sold here. Menswear and womenswear are also available.
The store features brands like L’Occitane and Dior. Benefit, Clinique, Clarins, Lancome, Chanel and Tom Ford are also available. Fashion brands include Apricot and Mango. You can also find Superdry, Jack & Jones, Levis and Tommy.
Selbys provides more than just shopping. It offers services like bra fittings. Trained staff help find the perfect fit. You can get advice on the best designs for your shape.
Selbys also has a Caffe Nero. Take a break during your shopping. Enjoy a coffee and a snack. There is also NV Nail Salon and Eye Candy Brow & Lash Bar in Selbys.
Remember those stairs to the lower ground floor? Islington children played chase on them in the 1950s. Can you imagine children playing without fear of safety concerns?
Selbys offers a Rewards program. Earn points every time you shop. Get promotions and exclusive offers. Selbys gift cards are also available. They make the perfect present.
Selbys has seen many changes. It has survived depressions and wars. Today, Selbys is a modern department store. It retains its commitment to service and quality. Selbys is more than just a store. It’s a piece of Islington history. It continues to serve the community. It offers a unique shopping experience.