The world’s oldest department store has started trading again online.
Derby’s Bennetts store, which started as an ironmongers in 1734, went into administration in early 2019 and closed a year ago.
Derby businessman Paul Hurst, who bought the assets and goodwill of the brand, has been working with Bennetts’ suppliers to source many of the goods which were synonymous with the shop over the years.
Mr Hurst said he was delighted with the new website and was confident Bennetts would one day re-open in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.
He said: “We started planning the website as soon as the stock clearance sale finished 12 months ago – and then we hit lockdown.
“Despite the challenges, we are delighted that Bennetts’ new website perfectly reflects the quality and choice that shoppers enjoyed in-store for so many years.
“This launch is therefore a pinnacle in our long-term project to ensure the Bennetts brand remains strong with a 21st century online shopping experience.”
The team has concentrated on ranges that proved particularly popular with shoppers previously and will be expanding the website over the coming months to include, such as men’s and women’s designer fashion labels.
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There are now six people working in administration, marketing and warehousing in Derby and the aim is to achieve next day delivery on all items in stock.
Mr Hurst said: “The launch of the new website is just the first element of the Bennetts story moving forwards.
“Although online sales will be an increasingly important aspect of the business, we remain committed to re-opening the physical store in the Cathedral Quarter but with a modern look and feel that all the family will enjoy.
“There is a great deal of work required to bring the Iron Gate premises back into full use and lockdown and the ongoing restrictions have obviously pushed back the timeline to achieving this.
“However, I am hopeful that we will be able to announce progress early next year.
“We can then forge ahead with our plans for a modern retail theatre experience with events and new brands that will make it a destination in the Cathedral Quarter – creating 30 new jobs right here in Derby.
“Retail is changing and evolving and we will ensure Bennetts will be at the forefront of those changes as it has been for nearly three centuries.”
His team has also been painstakingly clearing the remaining contents and fittings from the shop and archiving its records.