HISTORY

John Field

Fields, as a drapers, has been trading in Sidmouth, Devon since 1809. The shop was developed as a department store by the Field family in the late 19th Century. During the period between the two World Wars Fields served many titled clients, remaining open on Thursdays - usually Sidmouth's half day, to allow customers' carriages easier access to the store when the town was quiet.

There has always been a major emphasis on ladies' clothes, and in 1945 the store employed seventy-six staff with ten dressmakers, a milliner, tailor and three dressfitters. Staff salaries averaged less than £2.00 per week.

With no member of the Field family directly involved in the store after 1952, the business and fabric of the building declined until 1978. It was then bought by the current owners, who have steadily returned the store to its former eminence.

Fields remains one of the few select, family owned and managed, independent department stores left in England. Bright, modern and friendly, providing unrivalled customer service in relaxed and refined surroundings. A unique combination, that compels you to visit. Please do so.