A look back at shoppers in Norwich over the decades

On Black Friday, many flocked to the city centre to make the most of the sales and grab some bargain gifts.

Shoppers in London Street. Pictured in July 1982. (Image: Archant Library)

But the number of people in the city centre today is a far cry from the days before online shopping and the coronavirus pandemic - which led to the closure of many high street retailers.

Topshop, Debenhams, Cath Kidston and Game are some of the most recent losses in the city.

We have looked through our archives and gathered photos of London Street, Gentleman's Walk, St Stephen's Street, Castle Mall and Rampant Horse Street over the past few decades - which show just how much our shopping habits have changed.

Gentleman's Walk pictured in 1982. (Image: Archant Library)

Rampant Horse Street crowded with shoppers and holiday makers pictured in August 1973. (Image: Archant Library)

Christmas sales shoppers in St Stephen's Street at Norwich. Pictured December 29, 1982. (Image: Archant Library)

Picture of Castle Mall showing the first shoppers to use it. Pictured September 23, 1993. (Image: Archant Library)

Retail Shoppers at the end of year Sale at Marks & Spencers store in Norwich. Pictured in June 3, 2004. (Image: Archant Library)

Shoppers dodging the rain on the market, Gentlemans Walk. Pictured in November 14. (Image: Archant Library)

Christmas shopping at the Royal Arcade in Norwich. Pictured November 24, 1994. (Image: Archant Library)

Christmas shoppers crowd Gentleman's Walk in Norwich. Pictured December 1995. (Image: Archant Library)

Shoppers in Debehams, in Norwich, during the 1993 winter sales. (Image: Archant Library)