What is recorded here

Austins still stands in County Derry as the world's oldest independent department store, founded by Thomas Austin in 1830. The blue plaque marks the fact without embellishment, but the building has absorbed generations of shoppers, clerks and owners since a young man first opened its doors. Austin lived until 1892, carrying the shop through change while it kept its independence.

This blue commemorative plaque records: The World's Oldest Independent Department Store. Established in 1830 by its founder Thomas Austin (1815 - 1892).

Thomas Austin founded Austins, the world's oldest independent department store in 1830, pioneering the department store concept in Britain.

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