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.
21. In 2008 Debenhams were celebrating their 23rd anniversary. Pictured are staff who have been there since the opening, from left, Wendy Stretch, Christine Kershaw, Sandra Dean, Lorraine Despard, Versha Chauhan, and Louise Airy Photo: Donna Clifford
National World
22. Inside the women's clothing department of Debenhams in 2000 Photo: Lindsey North
National World
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