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.
13. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
A group of sales girls from Kendalls Fashions in St Georges Shopping Centre took turns in a wheelchair to be pushed around town - all in the name of charity. And with a little help from a couple of their children, they completed five miles and raised £108 for the adult centre for the physically handicapped in Deepdale Road, Preston Photo: RETRO
14. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
A group of top riders from Ribble Valley cyling club used a lot of pedal power to break their own record in a sponsored relay marathon. The event took place in the Rotunda of St George's Shopping Centre, Preston. Taking part in the relay were Andrew Tabernacle, Tim Lawson, Dave Winship, Chris Towart, Peter Slater, Sam Halshaw and Ian Hodges Photo: RETRO
15. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
Shoppers have a look inside a skip on Fishergate, Preston whilst out shopping, Sept 1983 Photo: RETRO
16. 1970s, 1980s, 1990s Preston Shops
Little green Orville, the country's most lovable bird, brushed off his shyness to open a new store in Preston. Complete with nappy and right-hand man Keith Harris, the bashful duck arrived in St George's Shopping Centre for the official opening of a Radio Rentals shop Photo: RETRO