Sunderland Shops - Joplings Sunderland Dainty Undies

A hand drawn digital artwork based on an original Sunderland Echo advert. Printed on high quality 230gsm matt archival paper.

Joplings Department Store was a cornerstone of Sunderland’s retail history, with a legacy spanning over two centuries. It began in 1804 as a drapery business called Jopling & Tuer, founded by James Jopling and Joseph Tuer on High Street East. The store quickly gained popularity and expanded, eventually becoming a full-fledged department store by the early 20th century.

In 1891, the business was acquired by Hedley, Swan & Co, who retained the Joplings name due to its strong local reputation. By 1921, the store had moved to a larger four-storey building on High Street West, complete with a café and a wide range of departments. Joplings was known for its innovative practices, including its own in-store currency known as “Joplings Money”, which allowed customers to pay in instalments.

A major turning point came in 1954, when a devastating fire destroyed the store just before Christmas. Despite the loss, Joplings quickly reopened in temporary premises and by 1956, a new, modern store was built on John Street. This new location featured Sunderland’s first escalator, lifts, and a prominent clock, becoming a symbol of post-war retail optimism.

Joplings continued to thrive for decades, changing ownership several times, including a stint under Owen Owen Ltd and later Vergo Retail. However, the economic downturn of the late 2000s and changing shopping habits led to its closure in June 2010, ending a remarkable 206-year history.

Today, the former store has been transformed into Jopling House, a student accommodation complex, preserving the name and some of the legacy of one of Sunderland’s most iconic institutions.