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Cambridge's famous town centre is always evolving, with shops closing and opening every few years. The past few years have been particularly difficult times for business owners, with lockdowns closing shops, business rates increasing, and the cost of living rising, meaning many have less to spend. Cambridge was once home to some truly iconic shops back in the day, institutions like Robert Sayle and Mitcham's department stores are fondly remembered even after they've gone. Memories from a bygone era when high streets didn't look the same across the country, with local shopkeepers' names above the premises. Still, though, some traces still remain: Mitcham's Corner continues on, even though Mitchams is long gone. Robert Sayle, meanwhile, was absorbed into John Lewis, which has been open in the Grand Arcade since 2007. Small businesses are also an essential part of Cambridge's makeup. Some of the best were Jean Jeanie, Parrot Records and the Galloway & Porter bookshop, now sadly no more. Some are just missed as a sign of an old era, such as Woolworths or the Cooperative in Burleigh Street. How many of the shops below, captured and remembered in our archives, do you remember?
