Blacketts

Blacketts were a small department store chain based in the north east of England with its flagship store located in Sunderland.

History

Blackett & Sons was opened in Sunderland in 1826 by William Blackett, a draper.^[1] The business grew from a drapery to a full line department store based on the corner of Union & High Street.^[2]

Stores were opened in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland and Stockton-on-Tees (1939),^[3] while they purchased the department store of D Hill, Carter & Company in Hartlepool during the Second World War.^[4] In 1963. the Blacketts group of stores was purchased by fellow department store group Hide & Co.^[5]

In 1970, the Hartlepool store was closed, becoming a discount superstore before being converted into The Hill Carter hotel.^[6] The Stockton on Tee store was sold to Waring and Gillow, a furniture company.^[7] The main store in Sunderland closed in 1972 due to the competition of department stores in the town.^[8]

References

1. "Blacketts on the High Street". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.
2. "Sunderland's Old Shops in Pictures". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.
3. "Blacketts on the High Street". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.
4. "Harlepool History Then & Now". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.
5. "Retro Closing Time for Store - Sunderland Echo". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.
6. "Harlepool History Then & Now". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.
7. "Blacketts on the High Street". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.
8. "Retro Closing Time for Store - Sunderland Echo". Retrieved 4 Nov 2014.