AS the town centre’s Marks & Spencer store prepares to move to Ravenhead Retail Park next month, we want to look back at the store’s 90 year history.

The first St Helens store opened at 29 New Market in 1902 and traded at this site before moving to 51 Church Street, St Helens on September 14, 1928.

This was later extended to include 51-55 Church Street.

The current store contains a centenary plaque, one of 50 given to stores in 1984 to celebrate 100 years since the first Penny Bazaar in 1884 in Leeds.

It has been part of the landscape ever since with an ever changing St Helens town centre adapting around it to the modern times.

The current Marks and Spencer’s store doors will close on Saturday, March 2 before reopening on the outskirts of the town centre at Ravenhead Retail Park on Thursday, March 14.

The 40,000 square feet store, which is over two floors, will include clothing, home and food departments and a 64-seat M&S café.

Ahead of the move, we want St Helens Star readers who have shopped or worked at the current M&S to share your memories.

Please email information, pictures and memories to news@sthelensstar.co.uk or drop them into our office at St Helens Star, Suite 6.3, Century House, Hardshaw Street, St Helens, WA10 1RE.

n For more history on the store visit Marks & Spencer’s archives at marksintime.marksandspencer.com.