Memory Lane: 21 pictures from Wigan's Debenhams stores 1970-2014

Nearly three years have elapsed since Wigan’s gigantic Debenhams store closed. It had been the anchor tenant of the Grand Arcade and before that occupied a prominent position on Standishgate. Only last week Wigan Today exclusively revealed that much of the more recent outlet is to be repurposed to become a major entertainment and hospitality venue.

By Charles Graham

Published 19th Mar 2024, 04:55 BST

So we thought we’d plunder the Wigan Today archive for pictures from both of those Debenham stores over the decades. They include staff and shoppers, fashion parades and celebrity visits.

1. Debenhams, Wigan

. Photo: STAFF

2. Wigan Rugby League players Graeme West, Danny Campbell and Shaun Edwards have their hair cut and styled at a promotional event at Debenham's store in 1985

. Photo: Frank Orrell

3. Jackie Greenall, Julie Milligan and Cathy Houghton with One Direction perfume

. Photo: gary Brunskill

4. Winter sales in Debenhams in the 1980s

. Photo: gb

Debenhams Wigan Grand Arcade