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.
13. Old Preston Shops
When this picture was taken in 1984 hundreds of residents in the vicinity of Jak's Bargain Centre on Blackpool Road, Preston, served up a protest over the footpath outside the shop. They said they were forced to walk in the road because of the furniture piled up outside the store Photo: National World
14. Old Preston Shops
Established in 1986, Wilkinson Cameras can now be found on the ground floor of St George's Shopping Centre in Preston. But in this image from 1994 it can be seen at its original site on the upper floor Photo: John Atkinson
15. Old Preston shops
Ratners was a low-cost jewellers found on Fishergate in Preston. The group merged with H Samuel in the 1980s Photo: National World
16. Old Preston Shops
Tilecraft (Preston) Ltd was situated on North Road but is no longer open Photo: National World