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Kays sign

Kay's - part of Worcester's industrial history

Kay's - once one of Worcester's biggest employers - is also part of the city's industrial heritage, with a history going back to 1889.

Kay and Co
Description:	Catalogue company based in Worcester
Organisation Type:	Commercial
Address:	Worcester
Start date:	Fri 10th May, 1889

The news that Littlewoods are to close their catalogue warehouse in Worcester marks the end of an era for a firm which was once one of the city's biggest employers, and part of its commercial heritage.

The giant warehouse that is to close

Littlewoods took over the massive warehouse, that dominates the skyline on the western approaches to the city, from Kay and Co.

This firm is one of the longest established in the city, able to trace its history back to 1889.

_{History of Kay's}

In 1889 William Kilbourne Kay formed his own company called Kay's of Worcester, and a year later changed the name to Kay's Universal Stores.
The company was orginally based in St Swithen's Street, and later moved to Broad Street. On the 200th anniversary of the founding of the firm a plaque was put up on this shop to mark its role in the history of the company.
From 1894-1908 the firm's main base was in the former carriage works on Shrub Hill Road, conveniently placed for distributing goods by rail.
For many years the firm's headquarters were in St Oswalds, a striking building in The Tything, complete with central heating, electric lifts and its own telephone system. It's now been converted into flat and offices.
The company's main warehouse is in the south-west of Worcester and is known as Pierau after its the German designer. It was built in the late 1960s.

last updated: 10/10/07

Have Your Say

Tell us what you think about the closure of the Littlewoods warehouse - and the loss of more than 500 jobs.

Paul
At one time, if you needed a job you could rely on Kays to find you something. Kays kept a lot of people off the dole. The job centre will be busy next week. I agree with Eileen, it's a pity they don't tear down the ugly grey building

Bernard
As chairman of the Kays Heritage Group, I am sad that the Littlewoods Shop Direct Home Shopping group has decided to close down the operations in Worcester. It is truly the end of an era. Worcester has lost yet another part of its commercial heart. I am sure that the staff will find other positions after the initial shock of leaving. I did! Kays has been part of the commercial and business life of Worcester since the late 19th century and many people in the city have worked their whole careers at Kays or have had a member of their family work for the company. If anyone has any memories of working at Kays or have any photographs related to Kays and would like to add to the record of Kays in Worcester, then please contact me at the address on our Kays Heritage website.

annette
so sorry to hear of more job losses, my husband has faced redundacy twice in his life and the struggle to find another job is very hard, for anyone. Hope those 500 at the littlewoods warehouse find some work somewhere soon Annette,uk

Eileen
Sad - Kays was synonymous with Worcester but a sign of the times. Pity the monstrosity of a building doesn't go too!

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Kay's - part of Worcester's industrial history

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