Wigan Album

What a beautiful building! I remember going in there but, as Ron says, it wasn't "central" to the town, but oh! how awful that it has gone. That is a real example of Art Deco style and should never have been demolished.

I agree Irene it was scandalous to demolish this building. I went in quite a lot.

I didn't go into the store much but I was a frequent visitor to the first floor restaurant in the late 1960s.

I don't think the building was demolished immediately after the Co-op closed . It had a spell as Trident Electrical Stores . Kitchen Queen also took part of it over .

Sorry girls, I do agree about the art deco style, but then again 51 years ago I'd have disagreed. I worked there for around four years as a furniture van delivery mate and began to hate the place. So much so that one day it came to a head when one morning after arriving 5 minutes late the department manager called me lazy, I turned and told him, "that's rich coming from you who spends all day in your office sat on your a**e," and walked out. I later got a job at Asda, but then at the time you could leave a job you didn't like it and soon get another one.

Cyril, did you work with France Farrell ?

Good for you Cyril… I bet you never looked back. I think we all came across situations like that…

I did Dave, and remember we would have a good laugh even though it would make the manager scowl, France found a better job elsewhere and left before I did. I was saddened to read about the tragic event some years ago.

Remember going there after my mam's funeral for a meal upstairs in1963.

Cyril knew France well, occasionally going to Slow Joes in Millgate for some dinner. Good times.

I can remember the gentleman’s outfitters that was down 2 or 3 steps on the right hand side. From memory the units were all wooden and it could have been a scene out of Grace Bros.
Also going to with my mother and grandmother for the “divi” which was collected in blue ? stamps.
I often wondered why it was called the quorp and not Co op.

This store was known has the co-op emporium.

Philip C, as well as your qourp I've also heard it said as kwop and koarrp. Before those blue stamps you got tear out strips or divi cheques as they called them from a book with the cost of what you had spent written on, if you went two or more times a week you'd end up with a big bag of them when Dividend week came around.

You are right about Grace Brothers and the resemblance in the menswear, especially with the three men of different ages and more likely - seniority too, are you free. I can only remember Austin and Alan who served customers, the older third man was the manager and usually kept out of the way, I can't remember his name.

I remember Austin and Alan as I'd often see Alan and his wife walking around town, Austin and his wife had the Catholic Repository on Station Road and I often see him around the town centre too.

I Cyril remember me i was the driver for 10 years

My Auntie Gwyneth Clayton was the manageress of the ladies shoe department for many years in the 1950 and 1960s.