RETRO: Picture memories from Wigan's former Debenhams store as charity moves in

By Gaynor Clarke

Published 13th Aug 2023, 04:55 BST

As Wigan’s huge former Debenhams store is transformed into “Britain’s biggest charity shop”, we take a trip down Memory Lane to see the staff who once worked there, the events that took place and visits from some famous faces.

The department store was once a popular attraction for shoppers in Wigan town centre and became the anchor tenant at the Grand Arcade shopping centre.

However, it closed in 2021 when Debenhams went bust and stood empty for two years.

Charity Rebuild With Hope has now moved into the large space and is preparing to open its flagship outlet.

Staff at Debenhams in Wigan in 1974

. Debenhams

Staff at Debenhams in Wigan in 1974 Photo: National World

Shoppers queue outside Debenhams in April 2021 as the store reopens after the coronavirus lockdown

. Debenhams

Shoppers queue outside Debenhams in April 2021 as the store reopens after the coronavirus lockdown Photo: National World

An impromptu fashion line-up by women from Debenhams, promoting a forthcoming show at the store on Standishgate in 1973

. Debenhams

An impromptu fashion line-up by women from Debenhams, promoting a forthcoming show at the store on Standishgate in 1973 Photo: National World

Fashion students from Wigan and Leigh College take part in a fashion show at Debenhams in December 2018

. National World

Fashion students from Wigan and Leigh College take part in a fashion show at Debenhams in December 2018 Photo: Michelle Adamson

A spring fashion show by Debenhams staged at Tiffany's in Wigan in 1978

. Debenhams

A spring fashion show by Debenhams staged at Tiffany's in Wigan in 1978 Photo: National World

Shoppers queue outside Debenhams at the Grand Arcade for the final day of trading in May 2021

. Debenhams

Shoppers queue outside Debenhams at the Grand Arcade for the final day of trading in May 2021 Photo: National World

Staff at Debenhams in 1973

. Debenhams

Staff at Debenhams in 1973 Photo: National World

Winter sales at Debenhams in 1980

. Debenhams

Winter sales at Debenhams in 1980 Photo: Gary Brunskill

Staff at Debenhams in Wigan in 1974

1. Debenhams

Staff at Debenhams in Wigan in 1974 Photo: National World

Shoppers queue outside Debenhams in April 2021 as the store reopens after the coronavirus lockdown

2. Debenhams

Shoppers queue outside Debenhams in April 2021 as the store reopens after the coronavirus lockdown Photo: National World

An impromptu fashion line-up by women from Debenhams, promoting a forthcoming show at the store on Standishgate in 1973

3. Debenhams

An impromptu fashion line-up by women from Debenhams, promoting a forthcoming show at the store on Standishgate in 1973 Photo: National World

Fashion students from Wigan and Leigh College take part in a fashion show at Debenhams in December 2018

4. National World

Fashion students from Wigan and Leigh College take part in a fashion show at Debenhams in December 2018 Photo: Michelle Adamson

Debenhams Wigan Britain Grand Arcade