@SunderlandVibe
SunderlandVibe
@SunderlandVibe
The walls may have come tumbling down during the 70s, but the sights, sounds, memories and businesses of Palmer’s Arcade still ring true 125 years since this independent arcade was erected. Originally named ‘The New Arcade’ when it opened in 1876, Palmer’s Arcade opened to the public on the site of the gardens associated with Frederick Lodge. A stunning addition to what was a rapidly developing shopping scene in Sunderland, Palmer’s Arcade featured an airy glass roof, small brick and mortar storefronts and provided a handy walking link between High Street West and St. Thomas Street. In 1900, Marks and Spencer unveiled their famous penny bazaar to the masses and Mrs Palmer’s Music Shop also became a major attraction for shoppers and passersby. That’s how ‘The New Arcade’ became to be known as Palmer’s Arcade - as the music shop came to occupy most of the arcade with walls upon walls of music paraphernalia. Before World War I, it was common for tenants to remain open until around 9pm on Saturday evenings, and each shopkeeper hung colourful bunting, vibrant banners and inquisitive trinkets above their store in an attempt to catch the attention of those walking by. The arcade was demolished in the 1970s to facilitate the extension of the British Telecom Telephone Exchange, yet the spirit of supporting local and exploring Sunderland city centre endures to this present day.
PALMER'S ARCADE: A SHOPPING ICON!
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