Wigan Album

I much prefer the top photo from the 1960s by far.
A proper Wigan.

Keith, like yourself I cannot make out with any certainty the art deco signwriting you refer to, but I do remember in the forties there was a shop in this area trading under the name Hollywood Hats. Could this be this signage?

Definitely HOLLYWOOD HATS! Hats off to you - you clever lad...

Many thanks and well done DerekB, your eyes are better than mine. I'd certainly say that "Hats" is the last part of the lettering and your suggestion it was Hollywood Hats seems right. On eBay there is a "Bailey of Hollywood Hats" so like many shops its trading seems to have gone online.

Looks like Derek's nailed it, Keith: Hollywood Hats.

King Street today is predominently bars and nightclubs, with the exception of a couple of solicitors offices. Years ago there was the old Town Hall, Hippodrome theatre, Court Cinema, and County Playhouse. By the 1970s there were two supermarkets, Lennons and Tesco, TSB bank, brewing, decorating and a sweet shop, Dawson's music in the abandoned Grimes Arcade, and Sue Ryder charity shops.

i'm pretty sure the hollywood hats shop was the british school of motoring in the late 60's