Collage of historical images showing Arnotts' Dublin heritage, including vintage store signage, architectural details, and a branded sports jersey celebrating the department store's legacy since 1843.
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The History Of Arnotts

Since our humble beginnings in 1843, we’ve grown up alongside the Irish public, earning their trust through generations. What began as a single drapery shop has become a beloved landmark, a place woven into the daily rhythm of the northside of the city, recognised instantly and remembered fondly. Known as Ireland's oldest and largest department store, we’ve stood the test of time as the beating heart of Dublin, while always evolving, and always keeping the Irish retail customer at the forefront of everything we do. Can one store really have it all? Read more of our incredible history and why we stand as your one-stop shopping destination to this day.

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Historical portrait of a man in formal 19th century attire with white collar and dark jacket
1843 In 1843, two enterprising young merchants sell their business in Cork and set up a 'General drapery and haberdashery' called Cannock, White & Co. at 14 Henry Street, Dublin. As the Great Famine rages across Ireland, business was tough.
Interior of vintage department store with ornate columns, clothing rails displaying garments and mannequins dressed in period attire
1855 Prospects improve when canny Scotsman, John Arnott, invests in the store, and thus the name Arnotts was born. The business would go on to thrive under the direction of John Arnott, who lived above the store on Henry Street. Quality home furniture and men's tailoring are added to the store's range.
Architectural drawing of ornate Victorian building facade with central tower, multiple storeys and arched windows on Henry Street Dublin
1886 The store gets a beautiful new façade. From new stables at the rear, delivery wagons bring goods to Dublin's spreading suburbs.
Black and white photograph of Dublin street scene with crowds, tram, and damaged building following the 1894 fire disaster
1894 Just as business is booming, in the early hours of May 4th, 1894, a terrible fire destroys the original premises which stretched from Princes Street to Henry Street. Without the fire prevention techniques of today, the fire spread quickly.
Black and white photograph showing a large crowd of women shopping, titled 'In Search of Bargains', from 1912.

1912

The Arnotts fire, which was mentioned in James Joyce's 'Ulysses', is a huge blow to the company. However, in true Arnotts style, trading continues and a rebuild commences in earnest. In the same year, the company begins our now legendary 'Arnotts Sales'.

Black and white photograph of a damaged stone building with broken windows and rubble in foreground during Easter Rising reconstruction
1916 During the Easter Rising, countless windows are shattered. The stables and warehouses are almost destroyed. But the store’s involvement doesn’t end there, for records show that prior to events, the Irish Citizen Army had ordered ‘fifty uniforms in dark green serge’ from the store’s Tailoring Department - at a cost of £50.
Black and white fashion illustration showing women's clothing and accessories from 1918, including cloaks, collars, cuffs and decorative details
1918 After many years of struggle, women finally win the right to vote. This recognition of women’s equal contribution to society is celebrated in Dublin as much as anywhere else.
Black and white photograph of a clothing manufacturing workroom with numerous workers at sewing stations under fluorescent lighting
1930 As the country settles into its independence, demand for luxury items grow. So too does Irish women’s demands for the latest fashions. To get around the high tariffs on imports from Britain, Arnotts begins manufacturing its own garments and underwear on the premises in workrooms.
Colour photograph of Arnotts storefront on Henry Street with yellow signage, green trim and shoppers outside the entrance
1937 Arnotts first café opens and quickly becomes a popular spot to meet up and chat over a cup of tea and a slice of fruitcake. Our new brush logo is designed, and its clean layout was intended to create an aura of style.
Historic black and white interior of a grand Victorian arcade with glass roof panels, ornate columns, and multiple levels of shop counters
1940

More and more young women take to wearing cosmetics. Arnotts responds to demand by opening a Beauty and Fragrance Department, stocking favourite brands from across the world.

Santa's Grotto parade float at Arnotts with Father Christmas, woman in red coat, and child waving from decorated sleigh with Christmas baubles and garland
1950 The tradition of visiting Santa’s Grotto for Christmas starts in the mid-twentieth century, with thousands of children enjoying the magic of Christmas in Santa’s Grotto over the decades. In recent years, many favourites from Vogue Williams to Aoibhin Garrihy joined the man himself at the Arnotts Christmas parade.
Black and white vintage display of 1950s teenage fashion with models wearing knitted jumpers and skirts surrounded by coloured yarn and competition signage
1955 It’s the ‘Decade of the Teenager’. Recognising the growing freedom at home and abroad, Arnotts expands its range of ready-to-wear fashions to appeal to a younger generation.
1960 Meanwhile, around the country, electrification is being rolled out nationwide. New technology is transforming family life, with all sorts of labour saving devices, gadgets and gizmos.
Aerial view of crowded Dublin street lined with crowds and vehicles during celebrity visit, with Arnotts banner visible on right side
1961 In the swinging 1960s, Arnotts is a magnet for visiting celebrities, such as models Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton and legendary Manchester United manager Matt Busby - but we keep our feet firmly on the ground, opening a Gifts Department and a Children’s Department.

1963

The ultimate trend setters of the era, The Beatles whose long locks and “with-it” suits inspired the era. Beatlemania came to Dublin to play in the Adelphi cinema, now the site of the Arnotts carpark. You’ll see a dedicated plaque just beside the car park entrance on Middle Abbey Street. The band played two shows in what was then the Adelphi Cinema, on November 7th, 1963. Riots broke out on Middle Abbey Street, caused by the arrival of the four young men.

Black and white photograph of a busy pedestrianised street with crowds of shoppers, historic street lamp, and shop facades on Henry Street.
1970 Henry Street is pedestrianised, making it easier than ever for our customers to enjoy shopping here. This is the seed of the genuine buzz to be found on the street today.
Black and white photograph of crowds gathered inside Arnotts, showcasing the bustling atmosphere of shoppers during the post-Christmas sale.
1973 Arnotts has increasingly become a place where people want to ‘meet up and eat up’. Our store’s café and restaurants expand accordingly, offering a greater variety of food and sweet treats. The post-Christmas sale continues to be a success with customers travelling from far and wide to bag themselves a bargain.
Black and white photograph of a man wearing an Arnotts Ach Cliath sports jacket at a crowded football stadium, viewed from behind.
1981 Arnotts is looking for new ways to satisfy its customers and recognising the rising interest in sport, opens a Sports Department. This proves an immediate hit among Dublin’s youth.
Black and white photograph of a man wearing an Arnotts Ach Cliath sports jacket at a crowded football stadium, viewed from behind.
1991 Arnotts begins what will become the longest running sponsorship ever in Irish sport, with our sponsorship of the Dublin GAA Senior Football Team. In 1995 the team is crowned All Ireland Champions for the first time in 12 years. But not the last!
Busy multi-level department store interior with shoppers browsing clothing and accessories across multiple floors.
2000

Ireland is in a period of rapid change. (Even our money changes – from punts to euros!) The Irish fascination with design is building momentum. Arnotts responds by forging a relationship with the Crafts Council of Ireland and opening the largest Women’s Shoe Department in Ireland.

Crowds of shoppers queue behind barriers outside a store with a red sale sign during the post-Christmas sale event
2009 With the rise of technology, our customers needed a place to shop from the comfort of their own homes. Our digital business grows rapidly, now standing as a strong mix of business today. Jedward officially opened the Arnotts post Christmas sale, amid their X-Factor stardom.
Two men smiling at the camera indoors, one wearing a dark suit and the other in a brown jacket and glasses
2018 Arnotts celebrates 175 years with a series of events across the store including an Arnotts museum, pop-up tea room and visits from some very special guests, none more so than 94-year-old Gerard Nolan who began work as a postboy at Arnotts in 1942.
Silhouette of person opening gold curtains to bright window light with Arnotts branding
2020 During the Covid-19 pandemic, Arnotts adapted its operations to keep customers safe while maintaining exceptional service. As restrictions eased, we created a short film following customers’ return to the city centre, celebrating a hopeful future and the reopening of our stores.
Toy soldier with two children holding blue Arnotts shopping bags standing in front of the historic red-brick Arnotts building with flags
2023 Our loyalty programme, Encore Loyalty, launched alongside our brand new app which delivers huge success. Customers have an amazing shopping experience at the palm of their hand, and with Encore Loyalty, they can now earn and spend loyalty points across purchases in both Arnotts and Brown Thomas, online and in-store and in our app.
Historic red-brick Arnotts department store building with yellow signage, clock, and shoppers in the street below

It Doesn't End There

We have proudly served the people of Ireland for more than 180 years and look forward to continuing to do so for many years to come. With our bustling flagship store on Henry Street and a rapidly growing online and app experience, we remain committed to creating an innovative and immersive shopping experience while supporting local communities. Above all, we continue to place our customers at the centre of everything we do.