In the mid-20th century, Preston’s high street was dominated by traditional, family-run shops, where customer service was personal and familiar faces were the norm. Butchers, bakers, and small department stores thrived, serving as the heart of the local community.
The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of large retail chains and the arrival of the St George’s and Fishergate shopping centres, which brought high-street giants like Debenhams, BHS, and Marks & Spencer to the forefront.
The convenience of everything under one roof began to redefine the shopping experience in Preston, with more footfall drawn to these bustling retail hubs.
However, the 2000s introduced another wave of change with the growth of online shopping, leading to the closure of some long-established shops. The high street had to adapt, with a shift towards cafés, restaurants, and independent boutiques creating a new shopping landscape.
Despite these shifts, Preston’s high street remains an essential part of the city’s identity, blending modern retail with echoes of its past. Let’s take a nostalgic look at the shops of yesteryear with this retro picture collection of archive images.
21. Old Preston Shops
Serving a very niche market was Shipsides Marine Ltd on New Hall Lane in Preston. It opened in 1979 and stocked over 3,000 boating items, and was run by Bill and Sheila Shipside Photo: Norman Wiggins
22. Old Preston Shops
Back in 1984 British Telecom decided to branch out with a nationwide chain of telephone shops - this one, the British Telecom phoneshop, could be found in St George's Shopping Centre Photo: Norman Wiggins
23. Old Preston Shops
Back in 1979 when this picture was taken knitting was a common hobby for many people. This saw a number of different specialist wool shops dotted all over. Pictured here is the interior of Jaspers on Cheapside, Preston. Jaspers was a family business which started life in Perthshire Photo: National World
24. Old Preston Shops
The Early Learning Centre was on Market Street in Preston and was once a popular toy shop Photo: Terry Bromley