Bon Marché (Brixton)

Bon Marché was a department store based in Brixton, London, England. It was the first purpose built department store in the city.^[1] The store was founded in 1877 by James Smith of Tooting^[2][3] after he won a fortune at Newmarket races.^[4][5] The store was named and modelled after Bon Marché in Paris.^[6] The store was not successful and Smith went bankrupt in 1892.^[7][8]

The new owners were more successful, eventually acquiring nearby stores Quin and Axtens and Pratts of Streatham.^[9] Eventually the group was bought by Selfridges.^[10][11]

The building went on to be used as a market, retail units, a pub, and a business centre.

The store had two buildings: the main building on the corner of Brixton Road and Ferndale Road, and Topland House opposite. Topland House was originally built as staff accommodation and currently houses The Department Store bar and restaurant.^[12]

Violette Szabo, an SOE secret agent during the Second World War and posthumous recipient of the George Cross, was working at Bon Marché when the war started.