Austins EHOD 2025

About

Step back in time and visit a place where shopping dreams came true!

Austins of the Diamond was reported to be the oldest family-owned department store in the world, established by Thomas Austin in 1830, predating David Jones of Sydney (1838), Le Bon Marche of Paris (1838), Harrods of London (1849) and Macy Department Store of New York (1858). The Austin family were drapers, originally from Limavady, and by the end of the 1800s leased and owned a number of business premises in the Diamond. Thomas’ son and grandson were instrumental in expanding the business and securing its prosperity and longevity, which lasted within the Austins family for 146 years from 1830 to 1976 when they sold up to the Hassons. Larry Hasson continued Austin’s legacy in the drapery business (fashion) and diversified into health and beauty, homewares and lifestyle. They operated for 40 years until the business was closed in 2016. In total the business operated continuously for 186 years, across the two families.

The business survived a major fire in 1903 which made way for the current building – symbol of great optimism and confidence. It also survived two world wars and The Troubles of the 1970s. The business was defeated in 2016 by commercial pressures brought on by a change of retail shopping and general deprivation in the region.

In 2025 Inner City Trust acquired Austins with the aim of regenerating the building for the widest public good. As the project is developed, we invite you on a special browse around the shop floors and mezzanines, walk the wonky staircase, read the old 'sale' signs, experience the cafe as it was on the last day of operation, and gaze at those spectacular views of the River Foyle.

The guided tours will be led by our heritage staff and project conservation architect who will talk the group through the history of the site. Saying that, you know the history of this place better than us, and we can’t wait to hear your memories of this place!