Schofields (department store)
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | May 4, 1901 in Leeds, England |
| Founder | Snowden Schofield |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Fate | Acquired by House of Fraser; store closure |
| Headquarters | Leeds , England |
| Products | Department store goods |
Schofields operated as a department store located on the Headrow in Leeds, England, from 1901 until 1996. Throughout much of the 20th century, it was considered the premier shopping destination within Leeds city centre.
The original building now accommodates The Core, previously known as The Headrow Centre. Schofields grew by acquiring other stores, including a former Debenhams outlet in Harrogate (Cresta House on James Street), the Ledgard & Wynn store in Skipton (which closed in 1986), and the Cockaynes department store on Angel Street in Sheffield (purchased in 1972). The Sheffield branch ceased operations in 1982; today, that location functions as a Tenpin bowling alley with office spaces above. The Harrogate site remains open under the name Hoopers.
One of the last reminders of Schofields in Leeds was the nearby NCP multi-storey car park on Albion Street, which bore the name 'Schofields Car Park' until it was renamed "The Core" car park in 2009.
History
Snowden Schofield established the store on 4 May 1901 as a "fancy drapers and milliners" business, initially staffed by just two employees. Over time, it expanded into neighboring units. The original premises consisted of Victorian-era buildings, including the Victoria Arcade that ran through the store.
In 1962, the Leeds location underwent reconstruction adopting a modernist architectural style. In September 1984, ownership transferred to Clayform Properties Ltd, who intended to redevelop the site but were refused planning permission. By 1988, the Al Fayed brothers—owners of Harrods and House of Fraser—had acquired the business. Although Schofields kept its brand identity, it became part of House of Fraser. This change prompted a 1987 refurbishment that reduced retail space and incorporated the adjacent Schofields Centre. During renovations, operations temporarily moved to a former Woolworths building on Briggate.
The refurbished Schofields on the Headrow reopened in 1990; meanwhile, the temporary Briggate location continued as Rackhams, another House of Fraser brand. Due to competition from House of Fraser’s Briggate outlet and strategic consolidation efforts, the Headrow store closed on 27 July 1996. The Briggate store then operated under the House of Fraser name until its closure in 2022. Currently, that building is being redeveloped to feature retail units at street level with student housing above.
The Schofield Centre
The launch of the Schofields Centre included several retailers such as HMV and Marks & Spencer (M&S). M&S eventually closed its branch there to expand its presence nearby on Briggate; HMV subsequently relocated into the former M&S space around 1996.
Later renamed The Headrow Centre, it hosted various tenants including Lillywhites (1996–2001), Sports Direct, New Look, and HMV. Management allowed most leases to lapse with minimal notice to enable redevelopment aimed at attracting new commercial ventures. This approach drew criticism for displacing established tenants and smaller businesses.
Renovation work lasted approximately 18 months, during which ten stores remained operational. The centre reopened toward the end of 2009 as The Core, situated at a central point within Leeds city centre. New occupants included a combined bank and JD Sports outlet, Cotswold Outdoor, and USC sportswear. A food court designed to accommodate 500 diners was planned above New Look, featuring extensive use of glass architecture. Developer Propinvest Group described this project as their flagship retail centre.
Following the food court’s opening in 2015, several eateries operated there such as Burger King, Roosters, El Mexicana, Pizzaway, Yoghies, and Subway. However, from July 2011 through early 2025 many retail spaces remained unoccupied; additionally, the proposed food court area was repurposed temporarily as a gym before closure prior to demolition.
As of March 2024, planning approval was granted for demolishing The Core to make way for three separate blocks comprising ground-floor retail units with six floors of student accommodation above. New roads and pedestrian zones will divide these structures. Before demolition started, OneBeyond opened in the former HMV unit while Footasylum permanently closed during demolition activities.
External links
- Leodis: Photograph from 1949 showing the original Schofields store
- Leodis: Picture of the Schofields building as it appeared between 1962 and 1988, taken in 1967
- Leodis: Image from 1999 depicting the former Schofields premises operating as a Lillywhites outlet
- Discovering Leeds: Information on Schofields
- Secret Leeds forum discussion regarding Schofields Department Store
- Buildings and structures in Leeds
- Defunct retail companies of the United Kingdom
- Defunct department stores of the United Kingdom
- British companies established in 1901
- 1901 establishments in England
- British companies disestablished in 1996
- 1996 disestablishments in England
- House of Fraser
- Defunct companies based in Leeds
- Shopping centres in Leeds