1804	James Jopling establishes the retail business in Sunderland. The shop is founded on the principle of providing high-quality drapery and mercery, eventually entering into a partnership with Joseph Tuer to expand its reach across the region.
1891	The enterprise is acquired by Hedley, Swan & Co to serve as a warehouse for furniture, clothing, and drapery. Shortly thereafter, the new owners purchase the rival department store J T Calvert and relocate the business to 126-129 High Street West, officially adopting the Joplings name for the expanded site.
1919	Following the end of the First World War, the store undergoes significant modernization to become a premier department store, known for its silver service restaurant and high-end fashion departments.
December 1954	A catastrophic fire completely destroys the 150-year-old High Street building during the peak Christmas trading season. The loss is viewed as a significant blow to Sunderland’s retail landscape, though the company quickly vows to rebuild.
1956	A modern, purpose-built department store opens on John Street to replace the destroyed premises. The new building is celebrated for its 1950s architectural flair and state-of-the-art facilities.
1987	The department store is acquired by Merchant Retail Group plc, marking the start of a new era of corporate ownership for the independent brand.
February 2005	Owen Owen Ltd, based in Liverpool, purchases Joplings from Merchant Retail Group for approximately £5 million, with an additional £3 million paid for existing stock.
18 May 2007	Ownership is transferred to Vergo Retail, a new company led by David Thompson, as part of a takeover of the remaining Owen Owen department stores.
7 May 2010	Vergo Retail enters administration. Administrators announce that the store will be forced to close unless a suitable buyer is identified within a four-week window.
19 June 2010	After 206 years of continuous operations in Sunderland, Joplings officially ceases trading and closes its doors permanently.