It is still known to many of its customers as Bainbridge, despite the recent name change to 'John Lewis'. This much-loved Newcastle institution dates back to 1838, when at the age of 21, Emerson Muschamp Bainbridge went into partnership with William Alder Dunn and opened a draper’s and fashion in Market Street, Newcastle. In terms of retailing history, one of the most significant facts about the Newcastle Bainbridge shop, is that as early as 1849 weekly takings were recorded by department, making it the earliest of all department stores.