PLEASE REPLACE THE CACHE EXACTLY AS YOU FIND IT. DO NOT LET IT STICK OUT. YOU ARE IN MUGGLE CENTRAL.
Austins - A Brief history
Austins department store, a treasured landmark in the centre of Derry, is this year celebrating its 178th birthday. Established in 1830, Austins predates Jenners of Edinburgh by 5 years, Harrods of London by 15 years and Macys of New York by 25 years! Austins is the world's oldest independent department store, having grown remarkably from its humble beginnings almost two centuries ago. It was opened by Thomas Austin in 1830 and remained in his family until the 1970s when it was bought by a Derry businessman, Larry Hasson.
Today, it stands proudly overlooking the historic center of the city, with commanding views of the entire district, Donegal and beyond. To mark its unique anniversary, this striking building has had a wonderful face lift with the entire stonework cleaned and painted, the magnificent second floor balconies completely restored and the imposing corner turret returned to its former glory. The grand facade however is in stark contrast to the thoroughly modern interior with four floors featuring the best in department store retailing. From Fashions to Perfumes, from Homewares to Crystal, Austins is a refreshing change on the city's high street. Offering that something extra, that personal touch, and exceptional standards of service, Austins is more than a Store - it's a shopping tradition.
Come and enjoy this remarkable site, having closed its doors for the last time in 2016. The department store closed its doors to staff and the public without warning on 8 March 2016.
The liquidators state that the unforeseen costs of dealing with asbestos, and the disruption to trading this would have entailed, proved to be a stumbling block to attracting investment and this led to the sudden closure. Derry City Council officials raised the issue of dealing with the asbestos following the introduction of new regulations, in the Spring of 2015.
As of the 9th August 2018, Austins got planning approval for it to be refurbished. What will arrive next to take its place in this iconic building...
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