Shoppers outside Lewis’s on Market Street, Manchester, 1931. Shoppers outside Lewis’s on Market Street, Manchester, 1931.
Shoppers outside Lewis’s on Market Street, Manchester, 1931.

11 nostalgic scenes that take you back to how we used to shop in Manchester

In the days before Uber Eats and Tesco online, the door-to-door fish man had our home delivery needs covered - and department stores were still the height of sophistication.

First it was the rise of the supermarkets, then came the trend for getting everything delivered to our doorsteps.

Manchester is still a prime hub for retail and shopping enthusiasts, but it’s hard to think of a time when our independent shops and high streets have faced bigger challenges than in the last two years.

However, it wasn’t always this way, of course. We took the opportunity to celebrate some famous Manchester retail institutions and traditions with a nostalgic look back at how we used to shop in generations gone by.

  • We’d love to share your old photos of Manchester people and places - email us at [email protected]