Bentalls: Perfect Partnership

Bentalls department store is right at the heart of Kingston’s geographical and cultural landscape.

It dominates the Kingston skyline and features strongly in memories of our childhood. Hands up if you remember taking tea in the Thames Room or being taken round the Bentalls sale by your Mum. Some of us worked there in our school holidays – but even Santa’s elves have to grow up at some point. Commercially, to the consumer, Bentalls equals highest quality and outstanding customer care – many of the staff have been securely employed there for their entire career and know everything about Bentalls and its ethos - and that’s reassuring in today’s fast world.

But Bentalls’ history stretches back even beyond our own recall - in 1867, the store was opened by Frank Bentall as a drapery shop – making it an important part of our national heritage too. Amazingly, Bentalls was still owned by the same family until 2001 when the Fenwick family bought the store. It was a perfect partnership: Fenwick too has a long proud history of its own - John James Fenwick founded Fenwick in 1882 in Newcastle upon Tyne, leading the UK field in the new retailing concept which was already establishing itself in Paris - namely the department store.

In the past decade since Fenwick bought Bentalls, it has invested – and continues to invest - millions of pounds to improve customer experience here at the Kingston store. Amongst many improvements, Fenwick increased the sales floor by 30,000 square feet and added additional escalators and new walkways to make the store easier to navigate. A whole new third floor has been opened up to create Childrensworld and three additional large restaurants including Centre View.

A makeover on every floor has included the creation of an entire new fashion floor - featuring labels previously only available in the West End - and new initiatives in the  Beauty Hall, which has launched new and exclusive brands such as Armani Make-Up, Kiehl’s and True Skin as well as welcoming the latest concept in foot care: Zoola fish pedicures. In addition there is a jam-packed calendar of events, special guest chef visits, workshops and tastings in the Living Kitchen.

As Vanessa Frances, Head of Marketing says: ‘Bentalls is a store full of all the best of its heritage and expertise; while also offering the latest hot products in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.’

Celebrating the tenth anniversary of a partnership is a special occasion – so Happy joint Birthday to Fenwick and to Bentalls!