A Cardiff institution for over 150 years, Howells was a flagship department store that shaped the city’s retail landscape from its establishment in 1865 until its closure in 2023.
At a glance
Howells occupied a Grade II* listed building on St Mary Street in central Cardiff. The store became an anchor of Welsh retail culture and remained a destination for shoppers across generations.
History
James Howell established the department store in 1865, building it into a major retail presence in Cardiff. The House of Fraser group acquired Howells in 1972, integrating it into their national portfolio. In 2010, the store was re-branded under the House of Fraser name. After nearly 160 years of operation, Howells closed its doors on 26 March 2023 following acquisition by the Thackeray Group, which intends to redevelop the site as an aparthotel.
What you see
The building retains its Grade II* listing, recognizing its architectural and historic importance. The structure anchored St Mary Street as a commercial focal point.
Cultural significance
Howells represented the golden age of independent and family-run department stores in Britain. Its longevity and prominence in Cardiff’s shopping district made it a landmark of Welsh retail heritage, embodying the aspirations and consumer culture of successive generations.
Key facts
- Country: United Kingdom
- City: Cardiff, Wales
- Established: 1865
- Closed: 26 March 2023
- Grade II* listed building
- Coordinates: 51.48, −3.178
Practical information & getting there
The building stands on St Mary Street in central Cardiff and remains accessible to visitors, though no longer operating as a store. The site is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Sources & resources
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