Lost shops

[Furryanimal]

 

[Capt Lightning]

It's a pity that C&A left the UK, but it's still in most European countries. It's a Dutch company based in Amsterdam.

 

[Fyrefox]

In the U.S., K Mart was kind of beaten into extinction by Walmart. I never dreamed that Montgomery Ward and Sears would go under.

Some new stores have sprung up from the ashes, however. I go to one called Uptown Cheapskate. I’m not proud!

 

[horseless carriage]

In the 1950's and 60's the average man in the UK bought a new suit every couple of years, and in 1965 the menswear industry sold thirteen million suits. Most of these were bought at one of twenty menswear chain stores which were common on Britain's high streets. The most prolific and well known was Montague Burton. However, changes in tastes mean that formal suits make up only a small proportion of the what is sold today. Not one of those menswear stores have survived, likewise other stores that sold apparel such as shoe shops, have all gone.

The centre of the fashion world may now be in the East, but in the mid-60's Carnaby Street was where it was at. Swinging London was in full force, and young people flocked to boutique-lined streets in the hopes of spotting a Beatle or a Rolling Stone while shopping for shorter hemlines and looser trouser legs. The dandies of Carnaby Street-past, and some of the ‘looks’ that graced this historic street would raise a few eyebrows even in experimental Soho. In fact, The Kinks actually wrote the song 'Dedicated Follower Of Fashion', poking fun at the "Carnebetian army" - the "fashionisters" who strutted through Carnaby Street.

This link shows thirty six photos of the Carnaby Street of the past. Just a note, some of the pictures don't show, simply go on to the next one.