A famous Birkenhead department store that many still remember from their childhood welcomed generations of customers through its doors.
A familiar sight for decades, Mr James Rostance and his wife Helen opened their first businesses at 173 Old Chester Road, Tranmere, in 1904. The shop, which originally opened as a drapery store before expanding to sell a wider range of goods, was a success and by 1906, Rostance's in Watson Street, Birkenhead, was opened.
Following the death of James Rostance in 1917, his son Alfred took over the business in 1922 and extended the premises, later opening another branch in Oxton Road, Birkenhead. Many will also remember the New Ferry Rostance's shop and buying everything from knitwear to shoes, suits and more.
