Kent shops in the 1970s and 1980s

rbarman@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 30 November 2019 | Updated: 16:06, 25 October 2022

Kent's town centres - and those across the country - have had a turbulent time over the last few decades.

The opening of out-of-town retail centres in the 1990s and the rise of internet shopping have caused many obituaries to be written about the death of the high street.

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A view of the Sava Centre at Hempstead Valley, 1989

Debenhams in Gillingham High Street, 1980

Valenciennes Square in the Pentagon Shopping Centre, Chatham

The entrance to Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham High Street

Rochester High Street being re-styled in 1981

But our town centres continue to evolve and many people still hold them in great affection.

Here we look back through our archive at what many regard as the 'golden age' of the town centre in the 1970s and 1980s.

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The Tufton Shopping Centre, Ashford, 1979 Picture courtesy Steve Salter

Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, 1987 Picture courtesy Steve Salter

The Riceman's fashion show, Canterbury, 1974

The Riceman's fashion show in Canterbury, 1974

The Upper High Street, Ashford, 1975 Picture courtesy Steve Salter

The entrance of the Tufton Shopping Centre, Ashford, 1975 Picture courtesy Steve Salter

The Tufton Shopping Centre, Ashford, 1975 Picture courtesy Steve Salter

The Upper High Street, Ashford, 1977 Picture courtesy Steve Salter

These fascinating pictures show the county's high streets and shopping centres have changed over the years - along with the fashions worn by customers.

If you have any photos of Kent's shops and shoppers from the same period, please share them with us at news@thekmgroup.co.uk