#074

The world of retail is fast-paced with names coming and going, brands merging and acquiring and new businesses emerging. Here we compare two photos of a near-empty Exchange, 17 years apart. A couple of the brands remain constant but a certain toy shop's presence in Ilford was fleeting...

[@rajnirvan3336]

Changes are made but memories will never be forgotten. Merry Christmas to you and look forward to seeing next video

[@IlfordRetro]

Thank you for always watching, commenting and sharing your memories Raj, we love having you along to reminisce and look forward to more in 2024

[@anthonyp6810]

Definitely a throwback M&S had one shop then they expanded men’s, boys clothing and cafe ground floor on one side then cross over to ladies girls and baby clothing and M&S food weird part was you could cross between shops with your basket. I also bought my first PC from a computer called Tiny as pc world was out towards lakeside back then and the 02 shop still as busy as ever so they’re doing something right. Happy days can we go back in time

[@IlfordRetro]

You're right about M&S after it expanded into the old Littlewoods, and I didn't actually know you could carry your basket from one side to the other - sounds crazy. TK Maxx also had a split store on the ground floor, with mens and womens on opposite sides of the central walkway from the station entrance. I remember Tiny computers on the top floor........good shout on that one. I think I've got a photo of it somewhere that might be worth a future episode.

[@MrSmith1984]

Its a shame that the M&S in Ilford got shrunk back recently. Even if the opening of the Westfield Stratford Branch hasn't helped matters for the Ilford one.

[@IlfordRetro]

@@MrSmith1984 yes these days it's hard to believe it was actually broad enough for two large stores either side of the Exchange. They had for more range and choice back then compared to now.

[@storm3698]

Have a happy Christmas. Good to take a look back. When the Exchange opened it was a really big thing for Ilford. Over the years it has lost its way. Shame really. I remember it having its own food court. Also the water cascading down as you used the escalators. Jeremy Beadle opened Body Shop. Some good memories. As i said before, Ilford in the 80s was great and magical at Christmas. When i visit my family and we go to Ilford now, it really doesn't have the same feel. Overcrowded and some lacking in manners. I prefer the Ilford of yesteryear. Lots of fond memories growing up.

[@IlfordRetro]

Water features were definitely a thing at that time weren't they. I remember Jeremy Beadle's appearance too - I always wondered what his relationship to the Body Shop was supposed to be. And Pat Sharp opened the Virgin Games Centre, doing an hour or so on the mic in front of that huge marble ball on the ground floor (another water feature). There definitely was a magical experience to be had in the run up to Christmas when shopping in Ilford. Variety of stores, finding the best gifts for the best prices, bumping into mates, festive music..... Thanks for your support of the channel, have a great Christmas too.

[@storm3698]

@@IlfordRetro you have summed it up perfectly. Yes i remember that marble ball that people tried to move around like they were he- man. Yes have a good one. Thanks for posting this year.

[@haleya9510]

The marble ball was the best, I'd love it if they brought it back haha

[@anthonyp6810]

Omg I forgot about the food court. It still kinda has a food court if you can call it that. Wasn’t there a shop called index rip off version of Argos

[@storm3698]

@@anthonyp6810 index was a catalogue shop in its own right and online.

[@yasmeenrtubv1841]

Wow as recently as 2006 there have been changes .. i hear theres a super nhs clinic opening as well somewhere inside .. keep up the vids always fascinating

[@IlfordRetro]

It's incredible how quickly things move on. You're right about the NHS clinic, which seems a bit at odds with a shopping mall but I guess they have to diversify to survive. Thanks for always tuning in to reminisce!

[@awsanteina5152]

Cleveland School roughly a 10min walk way took us on a school trip to the exchange when it first opened circa 1991.

[@IlfordRetro]

That would have been an excellent school trip I would love to have gone on.