It became the anchor tenant at the Grand Arcade shopping centre, filling a huge unit.
However, it closed in 2021 when Debenhams went bust and stood empty for two years, before charity Rebuild With Hope moved into the large space to open what was dubbed “Britain’s biggest charity shop”.
Work is now taking place to convert it into the Stack hospitality and entertainment hub.
We decided to open our archives to look back at the staff who once worked there, the events that took place and visits from some famous faces.
2. National World
Fashion students from Wigan and Leigh College take part in a fashion show at Debenhams in December 2018 Photo: Michelle Adamson
3. Debenhams
The Voice Kids UK contestant Jake McKechnie gets ready to entertain shoppers in 2018, pictured with sister Heather Mason and her daughter Caitlin, five Photo: Michelle Adamson
4. Debenhams
A spring fashion show by Debenhams staged at Tiffany's in Wigan in 1978 Photo: National World