‘It’s never been the same since Marks and Spencer left’
Those words resonate with Fleetwood people who believe the day Marks and Spencer left Lord Street, heralded the end of the port’s high street as they knew it.
And now the building at 68-74 Lord Street has been ravaged by fire - with question marks over what happens next.
Many people remember Marks and Spencer and it was widely considered as the jewel of Fleetwood’s crown - it was the town’s most significant retail landmarks.
The ‘food hall’ was to the right with clothing to the left - you could buy your school uniform from there.
The building continued success into the 1990s , when Hitchen’s - a discount store opened. It was during a decade of brief flourishment - the high street was almost reignited with the arrival of several high street names such as Ethel Austin, Iceland (1980s) Peacocks (noughties) and a real drive to try and revive the high street.
It later became Littlewoods Discount Store, then Store Twenty One - that closed in 2016. The building stood empty and deteriorated, becoming a prominent eyesore until and finally the Ex-Catalogue Discount Store opened in 2002. The store later closed, leaving the historic building vacant once again.
ICYMI: Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Wyre Council issue update on major incident in Lord Street, Fleetwood
1. Fire ravaged store - a look back at how it used to be
How everyone remembers it - Marks and Spencer 1960s | Iconic Media
3. Fire ravaged store - a look back to how it used to be
As Store Twenty One closed down | Iconic Media
4. Fire ravaged store - a look back to how it used to be
Store Twenty One, after it closed down | Iconic Media
5. Fire ravaged store - a look back at how it was
A peek at what a new Store Twenty One would look like. It was a nationwide chain selling fashions, homeware and toys. | Iconic Media
6. Fire ravaged store - a look back at how it used to be
The Ex Catalogue store in Lord St, Fleetwood | Daniel Martino