While most Christmas shopping is done in the swipe of a finger these days, there was once a time when we headed out in droves to some of Glasgow’s fine stores - many of which are now long gone.
From grand department stores such as Lewis’s, to long-standing family businesses such as Crocket the Ironmonger, many much-loved shopping stops have disappeared from our streets.
Take a look and see how many you used to frequent during the festive period.
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Lewis’s
A trip to Lewis’s was the sign of the festive times, and the memories of it still hold a special place in the hearts of Glaswegians.
Famed for having the city’s first escalator, Lewis’s was also a first favourite at Christmas time when youngsters would flock in their thousands to sit on Santa’s lap. First opening in 1929, the department store closed in the ‘90s to make way for Debenhams.
Watt Brothers
A Glasgow institution for over a century, Watt Brothers had a number of stores across the central belt.
The Sauchiehall Street branch was their flagship store, stocking a range of branded electricals, homeware and fashion products - a Christmas shoppers dream. The brands 11 stores went into administration in 2019, after four generations of the family-owned business.
What Every Woman Wants
First founded in Glasgow in 1971, What Every Woman Wants brought fashion to the city at ‘prices people could afford.’
Long before Primark and TK Maxx, it was the place to go for a bargain. Unsurprisingly, it was massively popular over the festive season. The iconic Argyle Street building was torn down in 2019, and the founder - Gerald Weisfeld, passed away in 2020.
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Tower Records
A necessary stop at Christmas for anyone with a teen in their life, Tower Records once had over 200 stores across the globe.
Here in Glasgow, ours was pretty impressive and even hosted an impromptu performance from Bon Jovi in 1995. Fans flocked in their masses to watch him perform in the window, though similar scenes were also seen every December.
Shopping in Glasgow has never been the same since the Glasgow store closed down back in 2002.
Goldbergs
Initially a single Glasgow store, this retail company spread across Scotland in the ‘70s.
It was once the place Scottish shoppers went for everything they needed, especially during the festive period. Sadly, they ceased trading in 1990 having suffered losses of £10 million.
Crocket the Ironmonger
Over its 50 years, Crocket the Ironmonger expanded its range from traditional ironmongery into homeware and gifts, tools and DIY gadgets - it was the place to pick up something to put under the tree for dad.
Their Glasgow store on West Nile Street ceased trading in 2015, and Glaswegians were once again left clueless on what to get their fathers.
John Smith and Son
Founded in Glasgow in 1751, John Smith and Son was the city’s first circulating library and primary academic bookseller.
Once upon a time, it would’ve been the perfect place to pick up the latest publication for one of your friends or budding students in the family. While the company still exists in some form, the St Vincent Street shop closed down in 2000.
British Home Stores
Selling everything from clothing and furniture to electricals and food, British Home Stores (BHS) was a must on any Christmas shopping trip - especially if you needed something for your gran.
Their Sauchiehall Street outlet was hugely popular for many years, until it closed down for good in 2016.
Woolworths
People up and down the country have struggled to recover from the loss of Woolworths, which was once known for their pick and mix sweets.
Selling clothing, toys, books and almost anything else you could think of, it's clear how this high street stop became a festive favourite. Sadly, we haven’t darkened the doors of Woolworths since 2009 - when all stores closed and trading was moved online.
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