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.
25. Old Preston Shops
Two shops found at Lane Ends on Blackpool Road in Preston - Ashton Sports Equipment and Jenkinsons Carpets Photo: National World
26. Old Preston Shops
Bill Nickson Cycles can be found on Towngate in Leyland. It was established in 1981 and is one of the town's longest running businesses. You can see from this image that the shop was much smaller than it is nowadays Photo: National World
27. Old Preston shops
Fine Fare had itself a plum location in St John's Shopping Centre - right between the market and the bus station. It is pictured here in 1983, shortly before its closure Photo: National World
28. Old Preston Shops
In 1979 Sutcliffes, a traditional bicycle dealer based in Ribbleton Avenue, Preston, took advantage of a new scheme set up by Britain's premier cycle manufacturer - Raleigh - and Sutcliffes was rebranded Sutcliffes Raleigh - a five-star dealer in Raleigh cycles Photo: Marilyn Quilty