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The LRB Podcast
The Death and Life of the Department Store
Oct 9, 2024
Rosemary Hill, a contributing editor at the London Review of Books and author known for her works on Pugin and Stonehenge, reminisces about the rise and fall of department stores. She highlights their past as vital spaces for women seeking autonomy and community. Hill shares her personal experiences, including a memorable holiday season at Selfridge's. The conversation touches on the architectural grandeur of these stores, their decline in the face of modern retail, and the cultural void left by their closures in urban settings.
40:02
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Quick takeaways
- Department stores once served as vibrant social hubs for women, offering safe spaces that allowed them leisure away from home and societal norms.
- The decline of department stores reflects broader shifts in consumer habits towards online shopping, challenging the traditional retail landscape and its community aspects.
Deep dives
The Historical Significance of Department Stores
Department stores played a pivotal role in the evolution of retail experiences, particularly during their peak in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally emerging in Paris, they transformed shopping into an experience of leisure and exploration, offering a wide range of goods under one roof for browsing convenience. This experience was a significant departure from traditional retail, where customers had to request items. The combination of improved urban architecture and a growing middle class allowed these stores to flourish, reflecting broader social changes and consumer desires.
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