Stuttafords was once where ladies bought homeware and clothing in an ambience of affluence and gentility. Some took tea or a bite of lunch or met friends while they did their shopping. It was a rarefied atmosphere where hours could be whittled away.It wasn’t the only such establishment: at Garlicks, Greatermans and John Orr’s rows of product sat comfortably spaced over several floors. But these stores mostly closed shop, while the 158-year-old Stuttafords has kept its doors open, though it no longer sells tea and cake.It’s a sign of the challenges facing department stores globally. Competition from speciality stores, plus the game-changer of online shopping, has knocked the grande dames."Fast-fashion" retailers such as Zara and H&M turn around stylish new merchandise far quicker. As one American designer told reporters: "Ten years ago, you needed a major department store to be successful. Now, you need Instagram."At its peak, Stuttafords had 23 department stores in SA and elsewhere ...
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