J R Roberts Stores was a small department store chain formed by John R. Roberts[1] that operated in the South East of England, before the business was purchased by the multiple retail store company, Hide & Co in 1950. The Stratford store was sold off, and the Southend store continued to trade under the J R Roberts Stores name until Hide & Co were purchased by House of Fraser in 1975, and the store was rebranded.
History
J R Roberts Stores opened in 1870 in Stratford, London as a drapery and furniture shop[2] at 96 Broadway,[3] The store expanded into a full line department store and occupied 78-102 Broadway.
In 1888, it is reported that J R Roberts opened the first Christmas grotto in a UK department store.[4] Later their Christmas fairs were known for animated soldiers, sailors and other toy figures.