There used to be lots of independent boutiques in town, back in the day. There was a great one in the new Burton Arcade in the late 70s, Ace Fashions, which stocked all the latest clothes and was a bit cheaper than Top Shop.
I would go round every store, trying stuff on, not being able to make up my mind, and then purchasing something from the first shop I went into. By this time it was nearly 5.30pm on Saturday and town was closing until Monday. The are the stores I remember so well.
1 Chelsea Girl
It was a bit dark and dingy in our branch, when you went upstairs to the flared trousers section (rails and rails of them) but that added to the atmosphere, with the music blaring out.
2 Dolcis
The best choice of shoes, platform or stilettos.
3 Burtons
My brother went in here to get his first proper suit for our cousin’s wedding.
4 Etam
Up to the minute fashions and always a great sale rail!
5 C & A
Iconic store where I always got my school coat.
6 Lewis’s
Four floors in this department store and a cafe in the basement, where my uncle use to get my sister and I a knickerbocker glory (ice cream sundae).
7 Schofields
A posh store with quite expensive makes of clothes although I loved to browse in here and I do remember buying a monochrome dress.
8 Argos
It was so exciting looking in the catalogue and then queuing up and waiting for your purchase – a new concept in retail.
9 Athena
They had the best pop posters and also some awesome prints.
10 Woolworths
Nowhere else did pick and mix like Woolies!
11 Richard Shops
This was right next to the bus stop home so I always popped in here to kill time. I remember they did a petite range for small females, such as me!
