Hi all,
I am new to thew forum, I don't much about birmingham, but I know tonnes about Lewis's, Having worked in one of the other branches.
The birmingham store used to have two sides, sides A & B, I think there were lifts in both sides of the building. On the top, there was a roof garden and a childrens zoo, On the 5th there was a large toy department, with model trains and the 6th there was the grotto.
The store purchased Newburys next door sometime in the 20s. It orignally only had the corporation street side. It had a lot of opposition when it opened in 1896 (I think that was the year, but dont quote me.)
The Liverpool branch is still open (its now been bought by Vergo Retail, after nearly closing a few years ago.), we visited the christmas grotto this year, its huge!!! It costs a fiver to get in, but it is big (It takes up all of the 3rd floor) and the money is going charity. They also now have a website, which mentions the birmingham store and tells you all about the history, you can also submit your memories, so people can read all the chain:-
Memories -
http://www.lewissliverpool.co.uk/content/MemoriesHome Page -
http://www.lewissliverpool.co.uk/History/Future -
http://www.lewissliverpool.co.uk/content/HistoryFutureSadly though the store is not as big, or as stable as it once was, it now only has up to the 2nd floor open and at christmas, the 3rd (grotto floor). The store is looking a bit run down at the moment because it is well away from the new regenerated liverpool One centre , the store is suffering from a lack of custom. Although construction work on a new shopping area behind the store will hopefully give it new life.
I also have some photos and videos of Lewis's Birmingham, form the 50s, but I will have to learn how to upload them first.