Wycombe’s iconic department store Murrays was founded by James ‘Jim’ Rivett in the 1940s, shortly after the end of WW2.
At first, it was called a Walk Round Store, then for nearly 40 years enjoyed a high reputation amongst shoppers in the district.
Most residents of Wycombe and the surrounding towns and villages during those years will have fond memories of the store.
Here we trace the history of Murrays in pictures, beginning with the physical development of the store and then looking at some of the then unique features inside.
If any reader would like to share their memories of shopping at the Murrays store, please email me deweymiked@aol.com.
Top: Demolition of the Murrays store is virtually complete, March 1984.
Centre left: This shows the view towards the rear of Murrays in July 1967 when pile-driving for the development of the Octagon Centre was in progress, causing noise and vibrations.
Centre right: The famous Murrays clock, which rose up and down with the lifts, 1960s.
Left: Here we see the Pick & Mix display unit for sweets developed by James Rivett, inside Murrays, 1950s.
Above: Here we see an elevated view inside the Atrium area of the Octagon Centre which shows the entrance to Murrays department store, September 1970.
Following on from the previous passage, we now take a look at some of the people, staff and shoppers, who helped create the legend that is the Murrays Department Store.
Top: Members of the staff of Murrays relax on a patio on the roof of the store during their lunch-break, 1960s.
Centre left: It’s sale-time at Murrays, at times the queue was said to stretch from the store, along White Hart St, round the corner along Pauls Row, into St Mary St.
Centre right: A model walks along the “catwalk” during a fashion show organised by Murrays, 1970s. Does any reader know the exact location?
Left: The comedian Ted Ray signs his autograph for an admirer during a visit to Murrays, 1957.
Above: A lingerie-promotion event in Murrays, where guests and models mix and chat, April 1969.
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