and 1970s, with the arrival of supermarkets, the university, and chain stores. Yet Moores kept pace, expanding into neighbouring premises and embracing early tech, from mechanical tills to a more modern layout. The beloved Maypole Dairy building on New Row was one of several acquisitions during this period. The 1980s saw Wesley, Ashley, Neville and Glenda, the third Moore generation, join the business, bringing fresh energy and overseeing key refurbishments, including the addition of a passenger lift. Then came one of the darkest chapters in Moores’ history. In 1992, the IRA bombed Coleraine’s town centre, devastating Church Street and The Diamond. Moores sustained significant damage. The impact was not only physical but emotional, upending daily life for staff, customers and the wider community. It took two long years to rebuild. Yet in true Moores style, the store came back stronger, reopening in two phases during 1994 and 1995. The rebuild marked a rebirth, not just of the building, but of its purpose and presence. During this time, the store began phasing out traditional departments, such as haberdashery and millinery, in favour of modern categories. The Gallery Restaurant opened in 1994 (its £1 coffee and scone offer became legendary), followed by Café M in 2007, and a growing beauty hall featuring The Perfume Shop. Moores has always moved with the times. The store has welcomed major fashion labels such as Hobbs,
Whistles, Mint Velvet and, more recently, Mango. In 2024, a revamp of the menswear department saw the arrival of iconic brands like Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, reaffirming Moores as a premium destination for modern style. Now run by Neville Moore, with the fourth generation, Jess and John, stepping into the business, Moores is not just surviving, it’s thriving. Alongside its sister stores, The White House in Portrush, Clares in Llandudno and de Gruchy in Jersey, Moores remains grounded in its founding values: family, service and community. To mark its centenary, Moores will kick off a year of celebration from 25 September. Every year, the business champions a charity, and in this milestone year, it is NI Children’s Hospice. It will also focus efforts on supporting Bann Rowing Club with funding for a new boat, an apt symbol of endurance, teamwork and forward motion. “We have an amazing team of people that work very hard to deliver a unique experience for our customers, and I am very proud of that,” said Neville Moore. “This is a celebration of more than just our store; it’s about the generations of loyal customers, dedicated colleagues, and strong local partnerships that have kept Moores thriving for 100 years.’ From a young widow juggling stock orders and staircases to silk skirts from parachutes, bomb recovery and Mango launches, Moores’ 100-year legacy is nothing short of remarkable. It’s more than a department store, it’s a Coleraine institution.
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