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.
9. Old Preston Shops
Alan Quigley's Carpets - a popular and respected business for many years in Preston Photo: National World
10. Old Preston Shops
A long shot of the row of shops on one side of Blackpool Road at Lane Ends Photo: National World
11. Old Preston Shops
This Speights store looks to be a lot bigger than the one on Friargate in Preston - does anyone remember them being situated in a different location? Photo: National World
12. Old Preston Shops
Savoy on Ashton Street in Preston, pictured here in 1991, is a DIY supply specialist shop which is housed in an old cinema Photo: Roy Payne