King Charles pays tribute to iconic Devon department store

They’ve weathered wars, recessions and the rise of online shopping — now Banbury’s has made it a full century on the high street, and marked the occasion with cupcakes, cork-popping and a cavalcade of civic pride.

The iconic independent department store celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday, March 21, with a day of festivities across its Barnstaple and Tiverton locations. Customers, staff and special guests gathered to mark the momentous milestone, with celebrations steeped in history, community and no shortage of 1920s flair.

In Barnstaple, where Banbury’s first opened its doors in 1925, the store was ceremoniously reopened to the public by Lady Arran, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon and representing the King. She was joined by North Devon MP Ian Roome, the mayor of Barnstaple Janet Coates and managing director Peter Banbury, all of whom helped cut a ribbon to mark the occasion.

Lady Arran read aloud a letter from the King, in which he expressed regret at being unable to attend as he was in Northern Ireland with the Queen. The message added: “I can tell you the King was interested to hear a little of the history of the department store and was heartened to learn that it continues to be such an important part of the local community. His Majesty would have me convey his hope that you will have a very enjoyable day of celebrations. And I'm to pass on the King that the warmest wishes to you, to all the staff and customers and congratulate you all on your hundred years”.

Peter Banbury said: “In 1925, our great-grandfather opened these doors with a vision of providing the community of North Devon with something truly unique, a place where service, quality and a personal touch can be found under one roof.

“As we mark our 100th year, it's quite an overwhelming feeling to think how many generations have been through these very doors, whether to find that perfect gift, the latest fashions or the everyday essentials that make life that little bit easier.

“Ironically, it's exactly five years ago today that we had to shut these doors for Covid. And if you'd asked me whether I'd be here doing this today at that time, I don't know what my answer would have been.

“Today, it's about celebrating the past and looking forward to the future. I and my cousin Simon, my father, his brothers, my grandmother and grandfather and my great-grandfather were and are only caretakers of the business for a moment in time, before we passed it on to the next generation.

“But ultimately, without your support, there wouldn't be much to pass on. So I'd like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you, our loyal customers, our staff, past and present, suppliers and friends, for supporting Banbury's throughout the years”.

Barnstaple mayor Janet Coates paid tribute to the family-run firm, saying: “It is a wonderful achievement, not least in these challenging economic times, to reach 100 years in retail. And I think we can all agree that longevity of Banbury's is a testament to the dedication of the family who have nurtured this store through the decades”.

In Tiverton, where the second Banbury’s store has traded since 1989, staff donned flapper dresses and waistcoats to greet shoppers. A town crier bellowed news of the birthday deals through the streets, while inside, visitors were treated to free prosecco, cupcakes and a pop-up chocolatier on the first floor.

Simon Banbury, who runs the Tiverton store, said the celebrations were “surreal” and emotional. “We've known for years that it was coming but when it actually arrived I had to take a minute think about it. It's impressive isn't it to think back to 1925 when my grandfather started it and how much has changed since then,” he said.

Simon, who has worked in the business for 15 years, reflected on the generational legacy. “I remember as a kid coming in and hiding underneath the clothing rails and now my kids are doing the same thing, so it's come full circle. It really makes you realise that you have to steward it in the correct way. It really focuses your mind with things like this”.

But he acknowledged that the retail landscape was a tough one. “It is a hard environment. You realise that it needs to be nurtured, otherwise it won't be there. I suppose we're very fortunate in that we have a lot of loyal customers who come and see us every day and without them we would be in lots of trouble, but fortunately we're not,” he added.

Looking to the future, Simon said the high street must adapt to survive. “People don't come to the high street anymore because they need things. They come here because it's a leisure activity… They expect to see nice high streets, working high streets. They don't want to see something that's dull and mass produced and all these chain shops that all look the same,” he said.

He added: “So long as you remain interesting, you keep people's interests, you'll be fine. It's a place of pleasure these days so you've got to try to be different from everyone else and you've got to have good people working for you, which fortunately I do”.

The Tiverton event was also attended by the town’s mayor, Neal Davey, who said: “Tiverton is very lucky to have great independent department store like Banburys serving both the local community and visitors to the town. It’s always a great pleasure to shop at Banburys the staff are very welcoming, knowledgable and friendly and there is a great selection of products from which to choose. I congratulate Banburys on their centenary and wish them many more years of successful trading”.

As part of the centenary weekend, Banbury’s offered 20% off everything in-store and launched a new merchandise line in collaboration with Devon-based companies. The special range includes a commemorative candle and soap by Clovelly Soap Company, and bespoke fudge bags made by Roly’s Fudge Pantry.

A share of the proceeds from the centenary items and a charity raffle with 50 luxury prizes will go to local causes close to the family’s heart: North Devon Hospice, Devon Air Ambulance, and Fern Centre at North Devon District Hospital.

A century since it began life as a family venture, Banbury’s shows no sign of fading into retail history. And if the fizz and fondness shown on Friday is anything to go by, this Devon institution still has plenty of life – and style – left on the high street.