26 photos of Wales show how we used to shop
Some parts of the capital have changed beyond recognition
Shopping in Wales has changed drastically over the past half-century or so — and that was true long before Amazon and online shopping blew the whole industry apart. While shopping on the high street can still be a joy (or a nightmare, depending on your perspective on things), being able to buy almost anything you need without leaving your house means has inevitably changed high streets across the UK.
These pictures are a nostalgic glimpse into the high streets of decades gone by, from the 1960s to the 1980s. And though many of the shop names have disappeared, many are still holding their own on streets up and down Wales. Our archive is full of pictures like this, and it's been difficult deciding which to include here. If there are any more subjects you'd like to see us pick from our archives, please email steffan.rhys@walesonline.co.uk
Staff busy stocking shelves at Batemans, The Welsh Grocers in Cardiff in December 1964
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Shops on Cardiff Road, Caerphilly in April 1964
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Market day in the small seaside resort of Criccieth, Gwynedd, when traders erected their stalls on the common and residents and visitors alike search for bargains in the shadow of the castle in July 1965
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A busy scene at Cardiff's Central Market in February 1965
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The James Howells Department Store on St Mary Street in April 1972
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