Who Are London Gamages?

By Alice Nichols

London Gamages is a name that might not be familiar to many people today, but it was once a prominent retail store in London during the early 20th century. The store, which was established in 1878, was located on Holborn’s High Street and remained operational until the mid-20th century.

The Early Days of London Gamages

The founder of London Gamages was Arthur Walter Gamage, who started his retail career by selling sports equipment. Gamage’s first shop was small, but it quickly grew in popularity due to his excellent customer service and high-quality products. In 1895, he moved to a larger location on High Holborn and expanded his product range to include toys and games.

The Golden Age of London Gamages

The early 1900s marked the golden age of London Gamages. The store had expanded its product range even further and offered everything from clothing to furniture. It had become one of the largest department stores in Europe at that time, with over 200 departments inside.

London Gamages was known for its extravagant window displays, which were always a sight to behold for passers-by. The store also introduced innovative marketing techniques such as offering free gifts with purchases over a certain amount.

The Demise of London Gamages

Despite its success, London Gamages faced financial difficulties during World War II due to rationing and bombing raids. The store suffered significant damage during the Blitz and struggled to recover after the war ended.

In 1949, the store was sold to another retailer named John Barker & Co., who rebranded it as Barker’s of Kensington. However, this new venture proved unsuccessful, and Barker’s of Kensington closed down in 1972.

Legacy of London Gamages

Despite its closure over half a century ago, London Gamages has left a lasting impact on the retail industry. The store was known for its innovative marketing techniques and extravagant window displays, which are still used by retailers today. It also set the standard for department stores, inspiring many similar establishments that followed.

In conclusion, London Gamages was a prominent retail store in London during the early 20th century that left a lasting impact on the industry. Its innovative marketing techniques and extravagant window displays continue to inspire retailers today, making it a crucial part of retail history.