THE long history of Beales came to an end a year ago, when the Bournemouth store shut its doors for the last time.
In 1881, the draper John Elmes Beale decided to set up his own shop.
His Fancy Fair was to become Beales, which would eventually be the flagship in a chain of stores.
Mr Beale liked to add some magic to the shopping experience.
His Father Christmas may have been the first in an English department store, and in 1912 he even had Santa wave to the crowds from a plane.
The Bournemouth store was shut on March 19, 2020, bringing an end to 139 years of retail presence in the town.
Be sure to check out our picture of Beales through years in the gallery above.
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