It was the flagship store of the newly opened Fishergate Shopping Centre, found at the top end of Fishergate, next to the Railway Station. Debenhams can trace its roots back to 1778 when it started up as a drapers shop. By 1950 it was the largest department store group in the UK – selling a variety of items, most notably clothes and cosmetics. But in 2019 business took a turn for the worst for the chain store and it closed its doors on all shops around the country. Debenhams now only operates as an online business. READ MORE: See the changing face of Marks & Spencer. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Long lost shops of Preston. MORE MEMORIES: Pictures of Woolworths in Preston
17. Debenhams through the years
Dazzling displays throughout the homewares section of Debenhams in Preston entice shoppers to spend Photo: Archive
18. Debenhams through the years
The main escalators inside Fishergate Shopping Centre lead to the lower floor of Debenhams Photo: Archive
19. Debenhams through the years
Bargain hunters wait for the shutters to go up at Fishergate Shopping Centre's Debenhams store as it opens for Boxing Day sales Photo: David Hurst
20. Debenhams through the years
The homeware section all ready to welcome the first customers to Debenhams in 1986 Photo: Archive