Sunderland Shops - Kennedy’s

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

Kennedy’s Department Store was a beloved retail institution in Sunderland, known for its innovation and style. Founded in 1885 on High Street West, it later expanded into the Cobden Exchange, where it remained until a devastating fire in 1904. The store was rebuilt and reopened the following year, quickly regaining popularity.

Kennedy’s was ahead of its time, introducing features like underfloor heating, ceiling speakers, and electronic sun blinds that adjusted automatically to sunlight—technologies that were groundbreaking in the mid-20th century. In 1959, the store relocated to Maritime Place, near Blandford Street, where it continued to impress shoppers with modern amenities and stylish displays.

Despite its success, Kennedy’s eventually struggled as shopping habits shifted toward newer complexes like The Bridges, and the store closed its doors after more than a century of service. Its legacy lives on in Sunderland’s retail history as a pioneer of customer experience and innovation