General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

The last time I was in Wigan town centre was in 2008. It was still quite busy, and all the shops were open and doing good business.

I now only read what has become of what was once a very interesting town, and look at any photos/videos that people post here, and I could cry.

As teenagers, my friends and I would meet up at Woolworth's on a Saturday or Sunday. We'd no money, but we loved to go window shopping. We'd go down the road from there looking in all the shops until we got to Pendlebury's and walk around the two circular glass display cabinets, then cross over to British Home Stores and back up, checking the shoe shops etc through the windows. Then we'd have a wander down Makinson's Arcade, and the little Old Arcade which had the Legs of Man running down from one end to the other.

Those were the days when the town centre had a heart and a soul, and now lost forever. but at least I have that fond memory.

Yes. I believe that online shopping is the main culprit but, as has already been said - use it or lose it.