High streets have seen many changes over the years, with familiar shop names coming and going. 

One of the best-known shops in Bexleyheath was Hides. A family business established in 1861, it steadily expanded until in 1936 a modern department store was built selling a huge range of goods including carpets, chinaware, cosmetics, furniture, haberdashery, hats, toys and theatre tickets. Hides was a major employer in Bexleyheath and prided itself on good customer service. It closed in 1979 to make way for the Broadway Shopping Centre.

Another popular shop in Bexleyheath was Jennings which opened in 1909 and sold shoes, toys and prams. The building later became Sainsbury’s where mothers would park their prams outside while they went in to do the shopping. Today the building in the Broadway is still recognisable. Family shopping trips in Bexleyheath were often followed by a visit to the Silver Lounge for coffee and ice cream. 

Erith’s best-known shop was Hedley Mitchell. With its 35 departments, this large store at the corner of Pier Road and High Street was latterly managed by Fred Cope, father of the poet Wendy Cope. It closed in 1961 and the building was demolished for the redevelopment of Erith’s town centre.

In Sidcup, today’s Sarto Lounge gives a clue to the building’s history. ‘Sarto’ is the Italian word for tailor and the building was designed in 1936 for Burtons Menswear. The letter ‘B’ for Burton can still be seen on railings on the first floor. Sidcup had several men’s tailors in the high street, including one at what is now a pub called The Tailor’s Chalk.

In Welling, a typical Saturday morning outing to the High Street might include a visit to the library followed by seeing the latest film at the Granada, before stocking up on groceries at Embassy Court shopping precinct.

Discover more stories from Bexley’s past by visiting Bexley Archives