Memory Lane: pictures from the past of Wigan's JJB Sports staff, customers and celebrity connections

By Charles Graham

Published 25th Apr 2024, 15:45 BST

For years the Wigan-based retail chain JJB Sports was a big hitter on the high street. Built up from a single sport and fishing tackle shop in the town centre by Dave Whelan, it boasted hundreds of stores around the country. Its demise after his retirement is one of the sadder episodes in local business history.

But our picture archives hold many a memory of its glory days.

5. Dave Whelan presents football trophies to Marus Bridge Primary School team in April 1978.The trophies were the JJB Sports 6-a-side knock out competition in which they beat St. Judes 4-2 in the final and the Greenhous Shield Wigan Junior Schools Championship Trophy.The lads are Stuart Senior, David Dickens, Desmond Pate, David McMahon, Paul Campbell, Garry Kelly, David Kelly and Alan Norburn.

. Photo: Frank Orrell

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6. A sporting farewell to Edna Brockley retiring after 25 years at JJB Sports shops

. Photo: FO

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7. Modelling tennis gear at the JJB Sports store in Wigan town centre in 1972

. Photo: FO

Photo Sales

8. Sharon Hunt, right, and Joanne Brown, JJB Sports Superstore sales assistants, model the new Liverpool and Manchester United kits

. Photo: NF

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Wigan

Memory Lane: pictures from the past of Wigan's JJB Sports staff, customers and celebrity connections

6. A sporting farewell to Edna Brockley retiring after 25 years at JJB Sports shops

7. Modelling tennis gear at the JJB Sports store in Wigan town centre in 1972

8. Sharon Hunt, right, and Joanne Brown, JJB Sports Superstore sales assistants, model the new Liverpool and Manchester United kits

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