FLASHBACK: archive pictures of Wigan shops and shopping from decades past

The shopping experience is a whole lot different these days from what it was not that many years ago.

By Charles Graham

Published 13th Jul 2023, 15:45 BST

So we’ve produced a selection of images from our archives to compare and contrast with modern-day retail in Wigan. Some scenes will be familiar, others not so much, but just as interesting is to see all the shopworkers and shoppers.

1. A Mr Claypole working behind the counter at Cooper's grocery shop in Wigan

. Photo: STAFF

2. The Fred Foster Pie Shop at 47 Hallgate in the 1930s

. Photo: submitted

3. A snapshot of Wigan town centre taken on a Saturday afternoon shopping trip in 1981 by reader David Wharton of Ellis Street, Whelley. On the left is Dave Whelan's original JJB shop on Market Street

. Photo: David Wharton

4. A Wigan Evening Post promotion at Norley Hall shops in 1988

. Photo: Gary Brunskill