Empire Stores Catalogue

Empire Stores was one of Britain's earliest shopping-at-home brands, operated by Redcats (Brands) Limited and based in West Yorkshire. After celebrating over 175 years of trading, it ceased operating independently, having merged with Kays and Great Universal to form K&CO, bringing three online catalogues together within one easy-to-use website.

About Empire Stores

Empire Stores formed part of Redcats, which in turn was a member of PPR. Redcats was the world's number three in-home shopping group, with operations across three continents and a stable of well-known home shopping brands including La Redoute, Daxon and Vertbaudet. The company was a member of the Interactive Media in Retail Group (I.M.R.G.), including its safe shop list, and the Mail Order Traders Association (M.O.T.A.).

What Empire Stores Sold

Empire Stores offered a wide range of good value products, from women's and men's fashion to electrical goods, household items and financial services. Its range featured exclusive own-label brands alongside familiar names.

• Own-label brands such as La Vie, Kathryn C, Somewhere and Blue Mist
• Well-known brands including Levi's, Wrangler, Nike, Adidas and Firetrap
• Electrical products and homewares
• A dedicated sports collection

Shopping and Payment

Customers could shop with Empire Stores around the clock online, and the catalogue could be requested online or browsed by catalogue number. Several customer-friendly features made purchasing more affordable.

• Interest-free credit and a staggered repayment scheme
• Flexible payment options
• Free UK delivery, including packaging
• Unwanted goods returnable free of charge within 14 days

The History of Empire Stores

Empire Stores was launched by Antonio Fattorini, originally selling watches, the new technology of the 1880s. Throughout its long history, the brand remained true to its roots by providing good quality products in affordable ways, delivered direct to customers' doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Empire Stores?

Empire Stores ceased trading independently after merging with Kays and Great Universal to form K&CO, bringing three online catalogues together within one website.

What types of products did Empire Stores offer?

It offered women's and men's fashion, electrical goods, household items, a sports collection and financial services.

Did Empire Stores offer credit?

Yes. Like the majority of catalogues, Empire Stores offered credit accounts subject to credit checks, allowing customers to pay for purchases over an extended period, with interest-free credit also available.

Was delivery free with Empire Stores?

Yes. Delivery, including packaging, was always free, and unwanted goods could be returned free of charge within 14 days.

Who owned Empire Stores?

Empire Stores was operated by Redcats (Brands) Limited, part of Redcats, which was itself a member of PPR.

How long had Empire Stores been trading?

The brand celebrated over 175 years of supplying quality fashion at reasonable prices, making it one of the earliest shopping-at-home brands.

This catalogue is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Redcats (Brands) Limited. For current details, visit the company's official website.