It was the flagship store of the newly opened Fishergate Shopping Centre, found at the top end of Fishergate, next to the Railway Station. Debenhams can trace its roots back to 1778 when it started up as a drapers shop. By 1950 it was the largest department store group in the UK – selling a variety of items, most notably clothes and cosmetics. But in 2019 business took a turn for the worst for the chain store and it closed its doors on all shops around the country. Debenhams now only operates as an online business. READ MORE: See the changing face of Marks & Spencer. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Long lost shops of Preston. MORE MEMORIES: Pictures of Woolworths in Preston
5. Debenhams through the years
The Mayor of Preston cuts the ribbon to officially open the Debenhams store in 1986 Photo: Norman Wiggins
6. Debenhams through the years
The busy junction at Fishergate and Corporation Street gives a good view of the large Debenhams store in 1990 Photo: Archive
7. Debenhams through the years
The large display windows draw shoppers in to the Debenhams store inside of Fishergate Shopping Centre Photo: Archive
8. Debenhams through the years
In 2008 Debenhams were celebrating their 23rd anniversary. Pictured are staff who have been there since the opening, from left, Wendy Stretch, Christine Kershaw, Sandra Dean, Lorraine Despard, Versha Chauhan, and Louise Airy Photo: Donna Clifford