Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street have long been at the heart of Glasgow’s retail and social life, and many Glaswegians still hold vivid memories of the shops that once lined these famous streets.
For generations, people made weekend trips into town to pick up new clothes or records, making sure they stayed up to date with the latest fashions and trends.
While Glasgow continues to evolve, memories of eye-catching window displays, familiar shopfronts and bustling crowds live on—especially at Christmas, when the streets sparkled with lights and the sound of buskers filled the air.
Here are 22 old classic Glasgow shops from the past we miss the most.
5. Watt Brothers
Watt Brothers on Sauchiehall Street was an institution. The owners filed for administration in 2020 after more than a century in business. It would always be a busy spot on Sauchiehall Street. | Glasgow City Archives
6. McCormack's
Glaswegians will have fond memories of McCormack's which was the city's best known music store. The Rolling Stones even turned up to cut the ribbon at the new store pictured on Bath Street. | Historic Environment Scotland
7. Marks & Spencer
Marks and Spencer can be seen here on Sauchiehall Street in 1972. The shop had been a mainstay on the street since 1935. Photo: Allan Milligan
8. Woolworths
The old Woolworths on Kilmarnock Road in Shawlands. Glaswegians were sad to say farewell to their stores across the city in 2009. | Glasgow City Archives