Reading's John Lewis department store when it was Heelas

The John Lewis group, which also owns Waitrose, said it is not expecting all stores to open when lockdown finally ends with results expected to get worse in the year ahead.

The announcement signals that further jobs could be at risk, after 1,300 were impacted by store closures last summer.

A John Lewis spokesman said the group would always try to redeploy elsewhere in the business, with redundancies a “last resort”.

The group will make their final decision on which stores could close by the end of March but they are already in talks with landlords.

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When asked about the future of the Reading store, a John Lewis spokesperson explained final decisions are due at the end of March and information about individual shops couldn't be shared.

As uncertainty remains about the future of the John Lewis store on Broad Street, we have decided to look back at the permanent high street fixture known as Heelas to many residents.

The John Lewis and Partners' website explains Heelas and Sons Limited opened in May 1854 specialising in linen, silk, carpet and furnishings on Old Minister Street.

Over the years, the business grew and further properties were bought on Broad Street.

The website added by the end of the century Heelas had grown substantially to feature departments containing things to wear and things for the home.

We have taken a look through Reading Museum's archives to see what Heelas was like back in the day.

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To see more pictures like these and of Reading, visit the museum's catalogue here.

Two mannequins modelling wedding dresses at Messrs Heelas' fashion parade

Messrs. Heelas' Fashion Parade. Credit: Reading Chronicle Collection/ Reading Museum

Messrs. Heelas held a fashion parade in the gown salon in March 1938 to show off their Spring collection.

According to the museum, daffodils, grass and ferns were arranged throughout the room and other items such as dresses, suits, coats and hats were shown.

Cosmetic company Innoxa demonstration

Innoxa demonstration at Heelas. Credit: Reading Chronicle Collection/Reading Musuem

Heelas hosted a demonstration organised by the cosmetic company Innoxa.

As a high quality hypo-allergenic skin care, Innoxa's products were the first to be recognised by The British Medical Association.

The 16th Annual Heelas Horticultural Show

The 16th Annual Heelas Horticultural Show. Credit: Reading Chronicle Collection/Reading Museum

The 16th Annual Horticultural Show began on September 1, 1938.

There were only 252 exhibits due to a bad season for fruit.

Christmas shopping at Heelas

Christmas shopping at Heelas. Credit: Reading Chronicle Collection/ Reading Museum

Toys on sale at Heelas in December 1948.