Wigan Album
King Street & King Street West, Wigan
11 CommentsPhoto: RON HUNT
Item #: 28557
Build on the site of the Hippodrome. Chimney still visible. I think there was a previous store there called LENNONS?
This store didn't trade all that long, no car parking space. Kwik Save (Ince) was just a short walk away with ample parking space.
It was Lennon's Supermarket in the 1960's and 70's, can't rmember exactly when Kwik Save took over but they had in 1988-89 when I worked in the area.
I know it was Lennon's in 1973 when I worked at Debenhams, but don't know when it changed over. A big Thankyou for these brilliant photos, Ron.
Brings back memories. I worked at Lennons in the mid 60's in the office when I first left Leigh Tec.
I seem to recall that Lennons was the first real supermarket in Wigan - there had been a smaller one called Anthony's next to the Menorca but it didn't last long. Lennons was also the first big place to offer Green Shield Stamps. I though after Lennons closed it was taken over by Dave Whelan as the first of his stores. Them again it has been 46 years since I left Wigan (though I visited mum and dad many times since) so memory might be playing tricks
Sorry for my ignorance, I am trying to work out where the Hipodrome was or what is on the site now? Is it now the car park on King Street? I was born in the 80s so missed out on the golden era!
The Hippodrome was more or less where the supermarket is on the photo....the chimney can still be seen on the photo, over to the right with HIP written in white letters written vertically. The Hippodrome burned down in the 1950s but the chimney was there until only a few years ago.
Does anyone remember a supermarket that was on the top of Anderton St, Ince called Krazy Cuts. A discount food store.
Yes, I remember it, Garry.
I remember the Co-op at the bottom of Greenough St as being one of the first supermarkets where the customer helped themselves -that was in the mid to late fifties. I remember the Hippodrome burning down as well in the fifties -and remember a couple of times going with my mother and brother as a special treat before the fire happened. I recall walking down the opening there to the entrance and up many steps to sit in the 'gods'. On one occasion I recall accidentally dropping an ice cream over the balcony !
I remember Krumbs cafe (on the right) it was my late dad's favourite cafe and everytime we went into town shopping. He loved it and so did I! From memory it was a long standing cafe too, which this photo shows. The sign is still up for it although sadly like many things I don't think it's opened its doors in many a year. On a separate note I remember a shop in the 80s on king Street where you went upstairs and it sold all-sorts of random stuff. I remember me and my brother buying framed pictures of American football teams and an American football there so I believe it did sell lots of Americana which was unusual but can't fully remember