Atkinsons Department Store, Sheffield
Sheffield’s historic independent department store blending tradition, quality, and modern retail on The Moor.
Atkinsons Department Store, located on The Moor in Sheffield city centre, is a historic independent department store founded in 1872. Known for its quality products and customer service, it has survived wartime bombings and evolved through generations of the Atkinson family. Today, it offers a wide range of goods across 40 departments, blending local independent brands with popular names in a vibrant shopping environment.
A brief summary to Atkinsons Department Store
- 78-82 The Moor, Sheffield, Sheffield City Centre, S1 3LT, GB
- +441142768811
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid peak weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
- Explore the range of local independent brands alongside popular national names for unique finds.
- Take time to appreciate the store’s historic architecture, especially the glazed roof and spacious interior.
- Enjoy a meal or coffee at one of the three in-store restaurants for a break during your shopping trip.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Sheffield Supertram to the Cathedral stop, approximately 10–15 minutes from Sheffield Railway Station. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to Atkinsons. Trams run frequently every 7–15 minutes, and single fares cost around £2.50 GBP.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve The Moor area, including numbers 52, 53, and 56. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from various parts of Sheffield city centre, with a typical journey time of 10–20 minutes. A single adult ticket costs approximately £2.40 GBP.
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Car
Driving to Atkinsons is possible, with nearby car parks such as the Moor Market car park offering around 440 spaces. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 GBP per hour. Note that The Moor is a busy pedestrianised shopping street, so parking may require a short walk.
Atkinsons Department Store location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Atkinsons Department Store
A Legacy Rooted in Sheffield’s Industrial Heart
Atkinsons Department Store began as a modest drapery shop in 1872, established by John Atkinson on The Moor, Sheffield’s bustling commercial street. Specializing initially in hosiery, ribbons, and lace, John’s commitment to quality, value, and service set the foundation for the store’s enduring success. Sheffield’s prominence during the industrial revolution, especially in steel and cutlery production, provided a thriving backdrop for Atkinsons to grow.Architectural Innovation and Early Expansion
By the turn of the 20th century, Atkinsons had expanded into a large department store with a building featuring a glazed roof that flooded the interior with natural light to showcase merchandise colors authentically. This three-storey structure included sweeping staircases and even employed a gardener to tend the plants throughout the store, creating a unique shopping atmosphere. The foundation stone was laid in 1901, and the new building opened in 1902, marking a significant milestone in the store’s history.Resilience Through War and Renewal
During the devastating Sheffield Blitz in December 1940, Atkinsons was hit by an incendiary bomb, leaving the original store in ruins. Despite this destruction, the Atkinson family’s determination ensured the business survived. In 1960, a new self-service store opened on the original site featuring one of Sheffield’s first escalators, symbolizing modern retail innovation. The store continued to evolve under successive generations of the Atkinson family, maintaining its independent spirit.A Modern Retail Experience with Local Roots
Today, Atkinsons remains one of the few independent department stores in the UK, housing 40 departments and three restaurants. It blends a curated mix of local independent businesses with well-known brands such as L’Occitane, Barbour, Smeg, Ninja, Laura Ashley, and Lego. The store has adapted to contemporary retail demands while preserving the values of quality and customer service laid down by its founder.Community and Cultural Significance
Atkinsons is more than a shopping destination; it is a Sheffield institution reflecting the city’s resilience, heritage, and community spirit. The store has been operated by the Atkinson family for over 150 years, with the current chairman, Nicholas Atkinson, continuing the legacy. Its location on The Moor places it at the heart of Sheffield’s premier shopping district, contributing to the area's vibrant retail and leisure scene.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Visitors to Atkinsons enjoy a blend of historic charm and modern retail convenience. The store’s design emphasizes natural light and spacious layouts, creating a welcoming environment. With a variety of departments and dining options, it caters to diverse tastes and needs, making it a key destination for locals and tourists alike seeking an authentic Sheffield shopping experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Endcliffe Campus
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Endcliffe Park Playground
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Unmissable attractions to see
Rob Lee Mural
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Millennium Square
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Chap Fountains
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Peace Gardens
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Sheffield City Hall
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Crack The Code Escape Rooms Sheffield
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Changing Places Toilet
0.6 km
Sheffield's accessible changing facility for people with complex care needs in the city centre.
Howst Food & Drink
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Fresh, all-day brunch and vibrant café culture meet in the heart of Sheffield City Centre at HowSt Food & Drink.
Sheffield Town Hall
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Devonshire Quarter
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Sheffield Winter Garden
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The Montgomery
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Millennium Gallery
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Winter Garden
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Essential places to dine
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The Furnace - Sheffield
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Pieminister
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Discover Pieminister in Sheffield: where traditional British pies meet modern flavors in a lively city centre setting.
BB’s
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ASK Italian
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Browns Sheffield
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Elegant British brasserie in Sheffield city centre offering classic and contemporary dishes in a refined, inviting atmosphere.
Smoke BBQ
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Bella Italia - Sheffield St Paul's
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COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Sheffield
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Piccolino Sheffield
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Turtle Bay Sheffield
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Silversmiths
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Piccolo's
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Ego Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar, Sheffield
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Shady Gifts
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Søstrene Grene
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True North Store
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Discover Sheffield’s craft spirit heritage at True North Store, a hub for artisan gins and unique local gifts in the heart of the city centre.
The Savage Sister
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Vulgar
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Explore Sheffield’s vibrant vintage scene at Vulgar, a uniquely decorated shop with friendly service and eclectic fashion finds.
Mint (New name coming soon)
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Discover Sheffield City Centre’s eclectic boutique blending fashion, jewelry, and unique local treasures on vibrant Division Street.
Rocky Horrors
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Discover bold rock-inspired boots and shoes at Rocky Horrors, Sheffield’s iconic alternative footwear shop in the city centre.
Glass Onion Sheffield
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Explore Sheffield’s premier vintage clothing store blending sustainable fashion with stylish, curated collections in a unique urban setting.
The Alternative Store
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Preloved Kilo
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Plot 22
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Volt Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
