THE future of the iconic Browns of Chester store may remain unclear but people's nostalgia for it, is crystal. Sharing a submitted photo of a legion of Browns staff, all dressed up for an outing in 1952, readers shared their memories of the department store. They also commented on their love of the city landmark, and how much it was missed.
A recent visitor outside the store on Eastgate Street was the bright pink double decker bus of Harrods Beauty On Tour. This has led to much speculation about what's next for the property, which closed in May 2021, after 230 years of continuous trading. To see more nostalgia, visit the Chester Standard's section.
While we wait for the veil of mystery to be lifted over plans, here are some of the memories shared...
Karen Jones: "It was such a lovely store, such a shame its gone. Great photograph, didn't they all look smart?" Nicole Wilson: "Had so many firsts of so many things in this department store - first school satchel, first bra, first guitar, first Start-Rite school shoes and many afternoon teas in the restaurant. Sadly missed.
" Robert Yorke Brown: "A great shame it’s gone. Has left a big hole in the centre of Chester. Growing up as a child in Hawarden, it was always known to us as a high class store.
" Lynn Smith could even spot family in the old image: "Fabulous photograph, I can see my uncle John Garston on here and my aunty Jean." The former Browns of Chester department store. Val Oneill: "Back in the 1960s when tights became fas.