Long-lost stores and giant cuddly toys: Glasgow festive shopping memories

These window-shoppers in 1955 look entranced by the array of dolls, toy phones and teddy bears packed into the festive display.

It’s a reminder of a time before internet shopping and shiny malls, when high streets were packed with festive bargain-hunters like four-year-old Kay McAleney from Coatbridge, pictured here on December 6, 1955.

(Image: Newsquest)

Kay knew what she would like Santa to bring – the cuddly toy dog Pluto she found at Pettigrew & Stephen’s….

Argyle Street, packed with shoppers (Image: Newsquest)

Our archives are full of fantastic photos of festive shoppers through the decades, like this shopping rush on Argyle Street in 1952, or these delighted window shoppers in 1962.

Window shopping, 1952 (Image: Newsquest)

The city’s grand department stores were spectacular at Christmas time – Wylie and Lochhead, for example, was a mecca for discerning gift-buyers. The beautiful interior is pictured here in 1963.

Inside Wylie and Lochhead (Image: Newsquest)

The Barras, pictured in 1984, was a favourite spot for last minute buys.

Barras, 1984 (Image: Newsquest)

Send us your festive shopping memories – email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.