Our Story
Since opening the first store in York in 1890, we have been running an independent family-owned department store for over 130 years.
Expanding into other locations; Helmsley, Beverley and Gainsborough, Browns have created an experience within their stores, where a stunning selection of products and services are on offer within one concept.
Our founder Alderman Henry Rhodes Brown twice became Lord Mayor of York in 1913 & 1932, declaring Skeldergate Bridge free of tolls on April 1st, 1914.
In 1990 we changed our name from W.P Brown to Browns as it still is today. This then followed with expansion into other areas, with the opening of the Helmsley Store in 1992, Beverley Store in 2010 & the Gainsborough Store in 2012.
Browns York
Christina Moores
4 years ago
This is one of the remaining department stores left and is well worth a visit. The staff are friendly and helpful and it feels good to be there
Dodgy D
4 years ago
Not a bad store. Plenty of choice, nice products from shoes to settees. Food ok in cafe. Only let download - toilets! Decor dated & needs replacing. 4 toilets - 1 door doesn't close, 1 door doesn't lock. Loose tiles. Looks tatty.
Debbie Rathbone
4 years ago
Nice store was looking at handbags the assistant was pleasant but little too enthusiastic as I wanted to have a browse not be given detail on every bag I was looking at she probably thought she was doing a good job but I like to be left alone to browse and if I need help il ask for it.
Linnea “玲玲” Lukic
4 years ago
Had family lunch here today, a few of us had soup of the day, chilli with rice and burger. I think chef was too generous with salt as food are so salty.
Angela Ruane-Richards
4 years ago
We had lunch in the ground floor cafe. It was table service and the servers were polite and friendly without being overbearing. The food was delicious, very well presented and the prices were good value for what we had.
Browns Helmsley
Louise Clarke
5 years ago
Lorraine was extremely helpful helping my mum to chose the correct fitting bras. I would definitely recommend the staff here and while my dad waited patiently another member of staff got my dad a chair. Thankyou
Louise Clarke
5 years ago
Lorraine was extremely helpful helping my mum to chose the correct fitting bras. I would definitely recommend the staff here and while my dad waited patiently another member of staff got my dad a chair. Thankyou
Sharon Valentine
6 years ago
Great store. Friendly and helpful staff also the staff are very understanding with people who wear the Sunflower Lanyard.
Sharon Valentine
6 years ago
Great store. Friendly and helpful staff also the staff are very understanding with people who wear the Sunflower Lanyard.
Browns Beverley
Sofia Ris
2 years ago
Went for some Bobbi Brown make up bits, girl there was very helpful and spot-on to what I needed. Price wise, it can be expensive and I’m sure you can find most of what they sell cheaper elsewhere but it is convenient and if you prefer to shop in person they have a variety of makeup and clothing options.
Sofia Ris
2 years ago
Went for some Bobbi Brown make up bits, girl there was very helpful and spot-on to what I needed. Price wise, it can be expensive and I’m sure you can find most of what they sell cheaper elsewhere but it is convenient and if you prefer to shop in person they have a variety of makeup and clothing options.
Charlotte Hines
2 years ago
Had a bridal makeup trial done today by Megan who was very professional and friendly! Was really happy with the overall look. Would highly recommend 🙂 xx
Charlotte Hines
2 years ago
Had a bridal makeup trial done today by Megan who was very professional and friendly! Was really happy with the overall look. Would highly recommend 🙂 xx
linda nasby
4 years ago
Different choices of clothing and bags, purses etc. And a very good perfume counter. More unusual products of a good quality
linda nasby
4 years ago
Different choices of clothing and bags, purses etc. And a very good perfume counter. More unusual products of a good quality
Autumn Leaf
4 years ago
Lovely to find a store with cosmetic counters. So many disappeared (John Lewis, Debenhams)after lockdown. Really well set out store, clean fresh, welcoming.
Autumn Leaf
4 years ago
Lovely to find a store with cosmetic counters. So many disappeared (John Lewis, Debenhams)after lockdown. Really well set out store, clean fresh, welcoming.
Julie Waine
4 years ago
Love this traditional department store. Sells a great variety of goods of great quality
Julie Waine
4 years ago
Love this traditional department store. Sells a great variety of goods of great quality
shelley davill
4 years ago
We went for a meal on Wednesday 25th May. Very disappointed in the menu. No fish or burgers due to a staffing issue. One of the waiting staff really lovely and worked her socks off. The other member of staff made us feel like we was an inconvenience being there after we asked for condiments. Will not be returning or recommending to friends or family.
shelley davill
4 years ago
We went for a meal on Wednesday 25th May. Very disappointed in the menu. No fish or burgers due to a staffing issue. One of the waiting staff really lovely and worked her socks off. The other member of staff made us feel like we was an inconvenience being there after we asked for condiments. Will not be returning or recommending to friends or family.
Kath Matthews
4 years ago
Lizzie on the YSL cosmetic counter was so helpful. Thankyou service at its best.
Kath Matthews
4 years ago
Lizzie on the YSL cosmetic counter was so helpful. Thankyou service at its best.
Judith Pearson
4 years ago
Just love going to Beverly from Grimsby, to shop in Browns and have a coffee. Lots of different ranges. Usually manage to treat myself or the kids. Enjoy every time we go. Nice cafe
Judith Pearson
4 years ago
Just love going to Beverly from Grimsby, to shop in Browns and have a coffee. Lots of different ranges. Usually manage to treat myself or the kids. Enjoy every time we go. Nice cafe
Geoff Port
4 years ago
Old style store with all the clothes labels you would expect to see. Also sells makeup shoes etc. Nice traditional shop in the lovely Market Town of Beverley.
Geoff Port
4 years ago
Old style store with all the clothes labels you would expect to see. Also sells makeup shoes etc. Nice traditional shop in the lovely Market Town of Beverley.
Alexander Kirby
4 years ago
Went for Coffee and a Scone. The Scone was great, the place was quiet and the service not that great. I did think the lad tried just poorly trained. Tea and coffee OK.
Alexander Kirby
4 years ago
Went for Coffee and a Scone. The Scone was great, the place was quiet and the service not that great. I did think the lad tried just poorly trained. Tea and coffee OK.
Carl Smith
5 years ago
Old style department store. Cafe is good. Could improve on gluten free options.
Carl Smith
5 years ago
Old style department store. Cafe is good. Could improve on gluten free options.
Agnes Murray
5 years ago
All staff members very helpful one staff member took me to the right counter and asked the staff member there my query and then left when I was assisted by the new staff member
Agnes Murray
5 years ago
All staff members very helpful one staff member took me to the right counter and asked the staff member there my query and then left when I was assisted by the new staff member
Jim Stringer
5 years ago
The restaurant food is fabulous, although the room's a bit boring & small. As for the shop, as a man, it's completely useless to me as they don't sell menswear, what's that all about, they do in the York branch. Restaurant great, shop, sack the manager!
Jim Stringer
5 years ago
The restaurant food is fabulous, although the room's a bit boring & small. As for the shop, as a man, it's completely useless to me as they don't sell menswear, what's that all about, they do in the York branch. Restaurant great, shop, sack the manager!
Marie martienssen
5 years ago
We bought two dresses from Hobbs department and Kelly who served us was fantastic. She helped with sizing and offered suggestions which helped to choose the correct garment. She was confident and knowledgeable about the products. Thank you Kelly.
Marie martienssen
5 years ago
We bought two dresses from Hobbs department and Kelly who served us was fantastic. She helped with sizing and offered suggestions which helped to choose the correct garment. She was confident and knowledgeable about the products. Thank you Kelly.
Chris W
5 years ago
Lovely small department store, that always delivers great customer service. Served today by Shelley on Hobbs, who was a delight to chat to (all part of the service, in my opinion). However, Hobbs are missing an ideal advertising/marketing opportunity, with their jackets made with Moons fabric. This fabric is made in Yorkshire, and that should be highlighted. Our industries need us more than ever!
Chris W
5 years ago
Lovely small department store, that always delivers great customer service. Served today by Shelley on Hobbs, who was a delight to chat to (all part of the service, in my opinion). However, Hobbs are missing an ideal advertising/marketing opportunity, with their jackets made with Moons fabric. This fabric is made in Yorkshire, and that should be highlighted. Our industries need us more than ever!
Browns Gainsborough
Jo Williams
4 years ago
Wonderful personal service ... Great choice, very clean and welcoming, value for money ... we will be back again .
Jo Williams
4 years ago
Wonderful personal service ... Great choice, very clean and welcoming, value for money ... we will be back again .
Debbie Reid
4 years ago
Very helpful and went the extra mile when I explained I did not want products tested on animals. Lovely shop!
Debbie Reid
4 years ago
Very helpful and went the extra mile when I explained I did not want products tested on animals. Lovely shop!
abi more
4 years ago
I came in last week and bought a handbag and some lovely shoes for a wedding. The shop assistant Suzie was so helpful friendly and made my shopping experience easy.
Thanks again
Thanks again
abi more
4 years ago
I came in last week and bought a handbag and some lovely shoes for a wedding. The shop assistant Suzie was so helpful friendly and made my shopping experience easy.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Jo Moss
5 years ago
Great place to shop, the staff can't do enough for you. Really gorgeous brand clothes, handbags and footwear as well as cosmetics
Jo Moss
5 years ago
Great place to shop, the staff can't do enough for you. Really gorgeous brand clothes, handbags and footwear as well as cosmetics
Marion LewIS
5 years ago
The young lady that works on the Clinique counter is a real asset to your store I don’t know her name but she has dark hair.Went in today and she was very very friendly and goes out of her way to be helpful just the same as she was on previous visit.
Marion LewIS
5 years ago
The young lady that works on the Clinique counter is a real asset to your store I don’t know her name but she has dark hair.Went in today and she was very very friendly and goes out of her way to be helpful just the same as she was on previous visit.
Paul Spencer
5 years ago
Superb little shopping area just need to bring a few more shops into the empty units.
Paul Spencer
5 years ago
Superb little shopping area just need to bring a few more shops into the empty units.
Karen Tracey
5 years ago
Other than goods being a bit on the pricey side. Very helpful staff. I love the new jewelry range.
Karen Tracey
5 years ago
Other than goods being a bit on the pricey side. Very helpful staff. I love the new jewelry range.
Why Choose Us
4 Stores
Independently run
Free Returns Instore
100% Secure Shopping In Store
What our customers say
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John Doe
Customer
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