ISLE OF WIGHT SHOPS: DABELL’S – THE NEWPORT STORE THAT HAD EVERYTHING

For generations of Islanders, no trip into Newport felt complete without a visit to Dabell’s – the department store at the heart of the High Street for decades.

Dabell’s stood at the centre of Newport shopping life for much of the 20th century. Standing prominently on the High Street, the store grew from a drapery business into one of the Island’s best-known department stores, selling everything from clothing and furniture to toys, china and household goods.

Long before retail parks and online shopping, Dabell’s was where many Islanders bought school clothes, wedding presents, curtains, furniture and Christmas gifts.

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The business itself had far older roots than many realised.

A 19th century trade directory described Dabell & Co of 57A High Street as wholesale and retail glass and china merchants with a “spacious double-fronted showroom” and one of the largest stocks on the Isle of Wight.

The company sold everything from Royal Worcester and Wedgwood to lamps, cutlery and household furnishings, and even supplied glass and china for public banquets and balls across the Island.

But the better-known Newport department store dated from 1911, when Charles Morris Dabell and his wife opened a drapery business in newly purchased premises formerly known as the Lilliput Stores.

The store expanded steadily over the decades and became one of the dominant names on Newport High Street.

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At one point the old cattle market in nearby St James’ Square reportedly even caused a steer to burst through Dabell’s plate glass window – a reminder of how different Newport once was.

The building itself became part of the town’s identity. Its art deco frontage made it one of Newport’s most distinctive shops, although one of the large display windows was blown out during wartime bombing in the Second World War.

Inside, generations of Islanders remember a store that seemed to go on forever.

Different departments led into one another through displays of clothing, furniture, haberdashery, carpets, china and household goods.

One former customer recalled:

“I remember buying material there, underwear, clothes. I remember going to get my first bra there!”

Others remember the famous cash carrier system, which fascinated generations of children.

“I remember the amazing contraption into which the assistant put your payment – on went the lid and somehow off it went up and away to the office somewhere in the building and in just a few moments back it came with your change and receipt!”

The haberdashery department remained especially popular with local seamstresses and dressmakers.

One Islander remembered visiting regularly with her grandmother:

“She was a seamstress and she went in every time she visited Newport for various haberdashery bits.”

Like many traditional department stores, Dabell’s was also about more than shopping.

There was a café upstairs remembered fondly by generations of customers.

“The lovely restaurant at the top of the stairs.”

Another recalled:

“Best cottage pie ever in the café in Dabell’s.”

At Christmas the store became especially busy, with decorations, gifts and wrapping paper filling the departments while queues stretched through the shop.

Many Islanders still remember visiting Father Christmas there as children.

One former customer said:

“My Mum worked there as a window dresser either during or right after the War when she was a teenager. I recall going to see Father Christmas in his grotto when I was a little nipper.”

For younger shoppers, one of the great attractions was the escalator – believed to have been the first on the Isle of Wight.

“Remember when they had the escalator to the next floor – first one on the Island. People would come into Newport just to use it.”

Others remember childhood moments that now seem wonderfully old-fashioned.

“My brother and I used to laugh at the baskets of huge plus-sized knickers and bras at the top of the stairs.”

By the 1950s, Dabell’s had become firmly established as one of Newport’s leading stores, with shoppers queueing down the High Street during periods of post-war shortages when new stock arrived.

But by the late 20th century, traditional department stores across Britain were beginning to struggle as shopping habits changed and large chains expanded.

Dabell’s later relocated to newer premises in Savoy Court near Town Lane after leaving the original High Street store.

For many Islanders, though, the original building remained the “real” Dabell’s.

The famous High Street store finally closed in 1994 and was later demolished during redevelopment of the site.

Many still regard its loss as a turning point for Newport town centre.

One former customer reflected:

“Newport lost its beating heart when it closed and has just gone downhill ever since.”

Another added:

“Pity they demolished this art deco influenced building and replaced it with the usual bland block there today.”

Although the famous department store disappeared from Newport High Street, the Dabell’s name survives today through Dabell’s Flooring & Rugs in Holyrood Street, continuing a retail connection with the town stretching back well over a century.

For generations of Islanders, Dabell’s was far more than simply another shop – it was part of Newport life.

Do you remember Dabell’s in Newport – perhaps the café, the escalator, Father Christmas grotto or the famous cash carrier system? Share your memories below.