And it’s only when we look back that we realise how much things have changed. Our shopping habits have changed entirely and we are firmly in the grip of online shopping. Our town centre is still a great place to shop with the new Houndshill centre at the heart of it but many shops have disappeared from the high street, some of which are featured in this gallery. Most of these pictures haven’t been published since they were first seen in The Gazette back in the 1990s – there are some great memories.



9. How it used to be...
This was Blackpool's oldest town centre building and housed Shoemarket in the mid-90s Photo: submit

10. How it used to be...
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Disney Store in 1996 when it first opened. There was a small parade with Mickey and friends. The kids loved it! Photo: National World

11. How it used to be
Remember Jessops on the corner of Abingdon Street and Talbot Road? It processed all our picture memories... Photo: Bill Johnson


