It's the end of an era. The department store Howells, which has been part of Cardiff for over 150 years, is set to close down. While a date has yet to be confirmed, the closure of the beloved store is likely to happen next month, it has been reported.
The Howells building has been a major shopping destination in the city centre for years, though it rebranded as House of Fraser in 2010. Having first opened to the public in 1869, generations of shoppers in Cardiff have fond memories of visiting and working in the store.
James Howell moved his shop, which was originally on The Hayes, to the landmark St Mary Street site in 1867 after the success of his business meant he needed a larger premises. New departments for carpets, furnishings, millinery goods, and even funeral services were added to the store over the years.
