And such has been the case ever since the first shopping centres sprung onto the scene in the ‘70s, so here we take a look at a few of our best retro pictures of shops and shopping centres in Preston from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
5. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
These Preston shoppers could not believe their eyes when a skip full of old stock was dumped outside of the Occasions store in Fishergate. The haul included note books, Christmas cards and old pens. They were thrown out the day after the shop closed. Photo: RETRO
6. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
A Welsh singer brought a song to the streets of Preston at the start of the town's Shopping Week. The Fishergate branch of the Woolworth store invited Bryn Yemm to spend a morning promoting his latest record. He also urged passers-by to join in a range of gospel and other popular songs Photo: RETRO
7. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
Lancashire Artillery Band performing at St George's Shopping Centre in Preston Photo: RETRO
8. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
The first ever Preston shopping festival wound up with a grand finale on the Flag Market after a week packed with events to attract the shoppers into town. Hundreds turned up in brilliant sunshine to watch the displays - including this one from the Longridge Majorettes Photo: RETRO