It seems almost everyone has a memory of Howells department store, which closed its doors for the very last time on Sunday. Lamenting "the end of an era", people have been reminiscing about buying wedding dresses there, or having "posh" afternoon tea in the department store, which has been a presence on Cardiff's St Mary's Street for more than 150 years.
Formerly known as Howells and more recently home to House of Fraser, the iconic building was emptied on March 26. It was a sad day for former employees with decades of experience between them as they cried, laughed and danced together - and raised a glass to the end of an era. You can read more emotional testimonies from staff here.
In its day, the department store was "the Welsh Harrods" said one customer - Mandy Watkins - who was sad to see the "iconic store" close. While others remember being "mesmerised" by the chapel contained within the building. Claire Cook had fond memories too: "Howells was looking at the window displays, being mesmerised by the internal church, looking at the fantastic food hall, finding underwear that actually fitted and, best of all, meeting Santa," she said. She added that it was a "sad day and an even sadder loss". You can get more Cardiff news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
