If you look straight ahead, you can’t miss it: the grand white-fronted building curling around the corner. The entrance is framed by elegant pillars, with curved glass windows reflecting the shape of the street. Above you, three purple flags flap gently at the top level, making the whole building look almost like a proud ocean liner ready to set sail. Just under the flags, take in those rounded, arched windows, lined up smartly in a row-like eyes keeping an eye on the shoppers of Norwich. And, of course, you’ll see the name JARROLDS gleaming above the busy doorway.
Welcome to the legendary Jarrold Group! Just imagine the street bustling,, and the smell of new books and sweet perfumes drifting from inside. This isn’t just any department store: Jarrolds is practically woven into the very fabric of Norwich. The family behind it, the Jarrolds, were once newcomers fleeing from France, bringing their hopes (and excellent taste in hats) across to England. We’re talking the 1700s-a time when wigs were fashionable and Norwich had more sheep than taxis.
Picture this building back in 1905, freshly built and dazzling under new electric lights, with curious crowds gathering outside, anxious to see what wonders awaited inside. The great George John Skipper designed it, wrapping up its edges in creamy “baroque” style-big on drama, big on personality. Think flouncy stonework, swirling statues, and a façade that says, “Shop here and you’ll never be bored.”
But Jarrolds is more than shopping! The family dabbled in just about everything: from publishing the first copy of Black Beauty (horse not included), to sponsoring a football stand, and even lending sheriffs and Mayors to the city. You could say the Jarrolds are the Swiss Army knife of Norwich-always turning up where you least expect them!
Oh, and if you hear a cheerful chime-maybe it’s the echo of Norwichians past, bustling through these doors, hunting for a perfect hat, a book, or simply a good old gossip by the perfume counter. Soak up the lively atmosphere, and let’s get ready for our next stop. The bustle of Norwich Market is up next, and who knows-you might catch a bargain or two.
