Photo-a-Day  (Saturday, 27th January, 2018)

My grandmother - the type that ruled the world from her sofa - used to send my grandad shopping every Saturday. One destination was Watkin's cake shop, to the right of the photo, possibly where B&M seems to be now.
Despite latter day changes, an instantly recognisable view.
Thanks Mick.

I remember the little shop on the left of the arcade selling Baby/ Children clothing. I bought things from there for my children in the 70s and the last item I bought was for my granddaughter 13 years ago. A beautiful smocked dress which has been stored away. It was expensive to buy things so it was for special occasions only. You could smell the aroma of coffee when passing by. There was some nice shops in the arcade- a bit on the 'posh' side!

Yes to Veronica I used to go in that baby / childrens shop for my sister when she was a baby my mum used to take us there, wasn't one of the sales assistance called Shirley if you remember veronica.

Yes I do remember that lady - she was there for years. It used to get a bit crowded that little shop and there was a bit of a wait to get served- but worth it Julie....and very good quality. There was a lot of running upstairs to the stock room. The shop windows were always well presented it was a pleasure to go inside.

We used to call this the posh arcade but it is probably a bit run down now I suppose. At least it hasn't been closed.

Gary, Watkin's confectioners was on Mesnes Street a door or so up from the Salter's chemist shop you can see, Greenhalgh's later took over the shop, don't know if they are still there, are you thinking of The Cheese Cabin that was on Hope Street.

Thanks Cyril - my sense of direction has gone astray!
When my family moved to Chorley, Greenhalgh's was the major confectioner - flat, not puff pastry. Excellent pasties.
What did B&M replace, on the right?

Veronica, I had babies in the early 70s too, and remember going into the baby shop with my mother in law - she always bought them something from that shop at Easter, birthdays, etc. A lovely little place and such quality.
If I remember correctly, there was a little shop on the right side of the entrance, which sold Edwards’ barm cakes and cooked meats. Yum,
Nice photo Mick, stirs up memories!

I remember buying my daughter a red tartan dress to wear on her first birthday from that little shop, she is now 25 !

B&M replaced British Home Stores, when they moved to The Grand Arcade, Gary.

B&M is where Warburton's was, isn't it?

Yes the Baby Shop sold lovely clothes,really good quality.I used to buy things in the 70's for my son and daughter.Only for special occasions though, birthdays, Christmas and Easter.Also remember lovely barms and meat patties from Edward's.