High street HEROES

Department stores changed how we shop – and the festive season is their busiest time

- CAROLINE BEDDOW

Nothing says Christmas like visiting a department store – whether it's gift shopping, stopping by Santa's grotto or simply admiring the wonderfully excessive window displays.

Britain has led the way in these iconic stores since shops such as Bainbridge drapers opened in 1838 in Newcastle, soon going on to have 23 different departments. From the 1880s, UK department stores invested in lavish eye-catching Christmas windows and lots continue this tradition today. Unfortunately, many stores have now disappeared as online shopping has grown, but here are some of the most loved around the country.

FORTNUM & MASON

As a footman at the court of Queen Anne, William Fortnum had access to royalty and London's elite. Grocery store owner Hugh Mason saw this potential and together they established Fortnum & Mason in 1707 in London's Piccadilly.

Tea soon became a key product, and Fortnum & Mason is thought to be the first company to buy Indian tea at auction in the 1830s. After Edward VII became king in 1901, the brand created the 'Royal Blend', which is still sold today. The store claims to have invented the Scotch egg in 1738 as a convenient meal for travellers. It was also the first UK shop to stock baked beans after meeting with Mr Heinz in 1886.

Fortnum hampers make a thoughtful gift and this Christmas, they range from £200 for the Classic, to £6,000 for the Imperial. * fortnumandmason.com