At the time of opening, the new Debenhams was the flagship store of the newly-opened Fishergate Shopping Centre, which can still be found at the top end of Fishergate up next to Preston Railway Station to this day.
Debenhams as a business, however, can trace its roots all the way back to 1778, when it first began life and opened its doors 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.
9. The main escalators inside Fishergate Shopping Centre lead to the lower floor of Debenhams Photo: Archive
National World
10. The main doors inviting you in to Debenhams in Preston Photo: Lindsey North
National World
11. The homeware section all ready to welcome the first customers to Debenhams in 1986 Photo: Archive
National World
12. 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
National World
3 / 6