Torquay's Hoopers a store for the 'discriminating customer'
Ella Woszczyk rewinds our civic history, with thanks to historian Graham Wheatley at Undiscovered Torbay
A staple of Torquay’s harbourside, Hoopers department store has proudly stood on the Strand for over 40 years.
Local history expert Graham Wheatley has once again shared his fascinating research in the local history Facebook group, Undiscovered Torbay.
According to Graham, Hoopers officially opened on the Strand on June 10, 1982.
However, it originally began in 1978 as a small specialist store in Fleet Street, designed to appeal to the "discriminating customer who appreciates quality, style, and exclusivity brought together under one roof."
Above: Hoopers dresses up for Christmas 2007. Image: Derek Harper
In 1978, they purchased a tiny 18 feet by 18 feet sweet shop at 21 Fleet Street, sold the fittings, and redecorated it themselves, reopening just three weeks later.
The shop was an instant success, and before long, an opportunity to expand presented itself.
In 1980, they upgraded to their second shop at 16 Fleet Street, which was nearly three times the size of the first. This expansion allowed them to realise their next ambition—introducing top-quality ladies’ fashion.
In July 1981, two regular London customers, David Thompson and his wife, visited the shop. During their visit, Barry Hooper shared his vision of acquiring a much larger premises—specifically, the well-established family store Williams & Cox, located just 200 yards away and on the market.
Over dinner that evening, the decision was made to purchase Williams & Cox and transform it into “something very special”—the Hoopers store we know today.
Above: Hoopers, February 2025. Image: Ella Woszczyk
Under Graham’s post, locals shared their fond memories of the store.
Reflecting on its longevity, Mark Hore commented: "Didn't they do well? Can't believe it was that many years ago. Nice piece of local history.”
Kim Qureshi reminisced: “I remember my mum took me to a fashion show in the mid-’80s. Those were the days.”
Michael Mudge recalled working on the shop refit, saying: “I remember doing the shop fitting refit there many years ago with Allplan shop fitters. My brother worked on the job. We had so many laughs.”
Iain Tucker reflected on Hoopers’ legacy: “They took over from Williams and Cox, a great family business that was involved in many charitable events in Torquay over the years. It’s great to see Hoopers still appearing to thrive.”
Sue Clarke added: “I loved shopping there when living and working in Torquay. I also missed Williams and Cox very much.”