A Jenners History
1838-2022
“Kennington and Jenner, a linen draper established by Charles Kennington and Charles Jenner opens in former townhouses on Princes Street and South St David Street.”
“Charles Jenner retires and hands the building and the Charles Jenner Company assets on Princes Street, South St David Street and now Rose Street over to James Kennedy, a faithful employee. The building will stay in the family (latterly the Douglas- Miller family) until sale to House of Fraser in 2005.”
“A devastating fire destroys the stores on Princes Street and South St David Street.”
“Designs are prepared by Architect, William Hamilton Beattie for a new type of retail building, a Department Store, following the idea of Bon Marche and other European counterparts. Charles Jenner dies leaving strict instructions for the new building.
Proposed architect drawings by William Hamilton Beattie of the Jenners Building.”
“The new Jenners department store on Princes Street and South St David Street opens and revolutionises the shopping experience. It is the first department store in the UK with products ranging from haberdashery and ladies fashion to mantels, wardrobes and fancy goods.
© Historic Environment Scotland (Bedford Lemere Collection)
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“An extension is added to the north bringing the building up to Rose Street and providing showrooms for furniture and large domestic goods such as mantels.
A 1903 drawing of the Rose Street extension to the Jenners Building. © Historic Environment Scotland (Bedford Lemere Collection)”
“Jenners receives a Royal Warrant for furnishings and drapery.”
“Charles Jenner and Company acquires buildings at 50-52 Princes Street and expands the department store.”
“The store sees further expansion into new buildings replacing properties owned by the company at 2-20 Rose Street and incorporating new entrances. A two-storey bridge linking the two buildings is built.”
“The buildings at 50-53 Princes Street are replaced in the latest architectural style, in conjunction with Mount Royal Hotel (taking upper levels).”
“The Jenners building is designated as a listed building at a Category A level of importance”
“Visited by Queen Elizabeth II on its 150th birthday.”
“Jenners, Scotland’s oldest independent department store, is sold to House of Fraser.”
“The building is bought by AAA United, a real estate company owned by Anders Holch Povlsen and leased to House of Fraser.”
“Jenners closes its doors as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.”
“House of Fraser vacates and the restoration project commences.
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2022 - Applications for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent are submitted and granted for refurbishment and remodelling of the building. It is anticipated the building will reopen in 2025.