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.

13. Anthony Welsh, left, Tracey Oldcorn and Vince Lloyd, staff at JJB Sports Headquarters, Martland Park, are pictured at the start of a sponsored return bike ride to Southport, in aid of The British Heart Foundation in 2001

. Photo: NICK FAIRHURST

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14. Cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott signs copies of his new book entitled Put to the Test for fans at Wigan's JJB Sports store

. Photo: gb

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15. Dave Whelan, owner of JJB Sports and Wigan Athletic, with golfing legend, Tony Jacklin, at Wigan Golf Club, Arley, after signing on a five-year sponsorship deal which would see the former Ryder Cup captain and Major winner become the face of JJB's expansion into the golf market in May 2004.

. Photo: Frank Orrell

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16. JJB Sports store on Market Street in Wigan town centre in 1972

. Photo: FO

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Wigan

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

13. Anthony Welsh, left, Tracey Oldcorn and Vince Lloyd, staff at JJB Sports Headquarters, Martland Park, are pictured at the start of a sponsored return bike ride to Southport, in aid of The British Heart Foundation in 2001

14. Cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott signs copies of his new book entitled Put to the Test for fans at Wigan's JJB Sports store

15. Dave Whelan, owner of JJB Sports and Wigan Athletic, with golfing legend, Tony Jacklin, at Wigan Golf Club, Arley, after signing on a five-year sponsorship deal which would see the former Ryder Cup captain and Major winner become the face of JJB's expansion into the golf market in May 2004.

16. JJB Sports store on Market Street in Wigan town centre in 1972

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