MANY of these shops are now lost to history, though should be recognisable to some of our older readers.

Until the advent of the supermarket, filling the cupboards often necessitated a circuitous trip about town visiting the various butchers, bakers and candlestick makers comprising the weekly shop.

One picture shows shoppers browsing a new supermarket in Walkden, where customers’ smiles reflect the happy convenience of being able to buy everything they need in one place.

Several are from the old Co-operative store in Bride Street – a modernist shopping cornucopia featuring its own photography and footwear sections, among other departments.

One picture shows a giant shop safe being carefully winched into position through an open window by a crane waiting in the street.

Some readers may remember Bolton shops being decorated for occasions such as the Coronation in 1953 and VE Day in 1945

Unfortunately, some of the photographs have limited information with them – so can you help us?

Maybe you’ve got some memories of one of the shops featured that you’d like to share with us?

Write to The Bolton News at The Wellsprings, Civic Centre, Bolton, BL1 1AR. or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk