Joyes (department store)

Joyes

Company type	Private
Industry	Retail (department store)
Founded	1900
Founder	Arthur Edgar Joyes and Mary Ann Joyes
Defunct	1975
Headquarters	Grays , England, United Kingdom
Products	Department store goods

Joyes was a modestly sized department store that served the community of Grays, Essex for three-quarters of a century.

Arthur Edgar Joyes, who was born in 1876 in Storrington, received training in the drapery industry before moving to Essex. In 1900, together with his wife Mary Ann—also experienced in drapery—they launched a small drapery establishment at 4-6 New Road, Grays. The enterprise rapidly grew, benefiting from its location near Market Square and Grays railway station, eventually expanding into a department store that reached up to number 20 on New Road. After Arthur retired, his son Ronald assumed control of the business.

Throughout World War II, Joyes introduced a "20 for 1" savings scheme designed to foster customer loyalty by allowing patrons to accumulate funds redeemable for in-store purchases. The store was notable for its wire payment system linked to a cashier’s office enclosed by frosted glass, showcasing its innovative operational methods.

In the 1970s, the redevelopment of Grays town centre included a new shopping complex and moving the market under cover. This transformation diverted pedestrian traffic away from the south side of the railway line, which contributed to Joyes closing its doors in 1975, coinciding with its 75th year in operation.