“ALLDERS WAS CROYDON”
During its time, Allders was the largest department store outside central London, and it was the main reason why people visited Croydon Town Centre. According to Peter Saunders, the former Managing Director, 'Allders was Croydon.'
A great business is made and run by its employees, and they play a crucial role in its success. That's why we came up with a unique and creative way to explore the history of Allders and its workforce. The oral historian Rolf Killius conducted interviews with former staff, and their stories gave us a fascinating insight into the company's culture and legacy.
Beverly Ruggins, interviewed by Kirsty Lothian, image courtesy of Rolf Killius
The interviewees:
Beverly Ruggins, Steve Fisher, Jackie Barrie, Ray Davy, Jay Prentice for Violet White, Lisa Harvey, Sheila Peterson, Sue Evans , Chau Dinh, Pamela McCabe, Maureen Walsh, Clifford Colvin (Cliff), Michele Crozier (nee Viveash), Ronald Stevens (Ron) and Peter Saunders.
The interviewees were interviewed by:
Susanne Baccini, Julieth Maurad, Michelle Brindle, Catherine Pestano, Kirsty Lothian and Rolf Killius.
The Interviews
Was there sexism or racism at Allders?
(Video length: 2mins)
Customer care
(Video length: 5mins)
The Harrods of Croydon
(Video length: 3mins)
Ghosts in Allders
(Video length: 3mins)
Working in the Tube-Room of Allders
(Video length: 3mins)
Croydon Centre at the time
(Video length: 3mins)
“Saturday Girls” at Allders
(Video length: 1min)
Is there a future for the Allders building?
(Video length: 4mins)
Allders was Croydon
(Video length: 2mins)
Staff & Management made the business
(Video length: 2mins)
A working woman in a leading position
(Video length: 4mins)
What was Peter Saunders like as a boss?
(Video length: 4mins)
A Curtain Maker
(Video length: 2mins)
Social activities
(Video length: 2mins)
Working conditions
(Video length: 2mins)
The Christmas gift-wrapping department
(Video length: 2mins)
The Social Club
(Video length: 4mins)
Shopping at Allders
(Video length: 2mins)
The project is extremely grateful for the 15 interviewees who spent their time and shared their very personal stories of working at Allders.
All videos and images are courtesy of Rolf Killius. You can also find him on Facebook, X and Instagram