Debenhams has been part of Leeds's glistening retail crown since it bought out department store heavyweight Matthias Robinson during the early 1960s, although its name did not appear on the high street until 1973. The Briggate store became a firm favourite to generations of bargain hunters who could wile away the hours browsing in the different departments. Readers have been sharing memories of what the store meant to them via Leeds Retro, the YEP facebook group dedicated to the city past. "Each year that I returned to England in the 80s and 90s I would shop there during the July sales. I bought beautiful Jacque Vert separates and I still have three blouses. Loved the store," wrote one reader while another said: "I bought my wedding dress from there. Happy memories." Enjoy these photos, plucked from the YEP archive, which take you inside the Briggate store during the late 1970s through the mid 1980s and late 1990s to showcase the huge range of goods on offer to shoppers. MORE CITY CENTRE SHOPPING MEMORIES: Schofields Leeds in 12 photos | 18 memories of Leeds department store Lewis's LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook


8. Memories of Debenhams
A display of Jasper Conran merchandise after a store revamp in September 1998.

9. Memories of Debenhams
Did you enjoy a break from shopping at Debenhams Day and Night restaurant? Pictured in November 1998. Photo: Peter Thacker


11. Memories of Debenhams
Part of Debenhams Christmas window display in November 1998. Photo: Peter Thacker

12. Memories of Debenhams
The side entrance to Debenhams in January 2002 proclaiming it as 'Britain's Favourite Department Store'. Photo: Gary Longbottom

