Showing posts with label Sign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sign. Show all posts

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

The last Woolworths shop in the UK closed in January 2009 so it was brilliant to see this frontage looking fairly unchanged!


Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

We first spotted the store in Longton while driving through the town in 2019 and returned in 2020 for a closer look. We were very surprised to see the branding still in place.

Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Woolworths in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

Tuesday, October 03, 2023

Old Iceland in Coventry

Spotting some old Iceland signage on a modern Iceland store.


Emily spotted this old branding on the signage at the Iceland store in Coventry city centre.

Old Iceland in Coventry

Wednesday, August 09, 2023

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne

A look at the Blockbuster Video Express store in Colne, Lancashire.


We visited the former Blockbuster Video Express shop in Colne on this day in 2020.

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne. August 2020
Blockbuster Video Express in Colne, Lancashire

Exploring during the coronavirus pandemic


As our out-of-home minigolfing adventures were curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic I needed to scratch my exploring itch somehow. During the first nationwide lockdown Emily and I spent our daily outside exercise time walking around the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport where we managed to visit and photograph every one of the 265 pubs, bars and clubs in the area!

On our limited travels we also photographed as many pieces of Covid-19-related signage as we could.

The next mini 'tickable list' urban exploration challenge tapped into my interest in ghost signs, shops, retail marketing and old brands. Ever since I found the remnants of the Blockbuster Video store in Fallowfield, Manchester in October 2019 I've been amazed to see the brand still has a lingering presence in other places too.

Here's the former Blockbuster Video Express store in Colne and how it looked in August 2020.


Blockbuster Video Express in Colne
Some of the exterior signage

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne
Blockbuster Video Express

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne
A notice of Administration taped on the inside of the shop window. Note the tape used is Blockbuster branded

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne
The old QuikDrop box

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne
The sign on the front of the shop was long gone

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne
A look inside the former Blockbuster Video Express store. Still recognisable as a video shop

Blockbuster Video Express in Colne






Blockbuster Video in the UK


Blockbuster Video entered the UK video rental market in 1989 following the purchase of Ritz Video.

I remember going to the Ritz Video shop on the Peachcroft Estate in my home town of Abingdon, Oxfordshire in the late 80's and early 90's. That store became a Blockbuster and I rented some classics from there back in the day. Check out this post from the excellent Abingdon Blog to see a photo of the shuttered shop in 2014.

Most Blockbuster Video Express stores were somewhat smaller than regular Blockbuster shops. Although all of the stores expanded to include video game rentals. Old signage for the games area has been clearly visible on both the Fallowfield and Colne stores I've been to.

In 2013 there were over 500 Blockbuster locations in the UK. Throughout that year the number dwindled until October when only 264 shops remained. On the 16th December 2013 all stores ceased operations.

Blockbuster Video store locations we've visited


Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Eaton Park Crazy Golf in Norwich

A look at the Eaton Park Crazy Golf course in Norwich.


My brother and founder member of the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour sent over these snaps of the Eaton Park Crazy Golf in Norwich, Norfolk.

Eaton Park Crazy Golf in Norwich
Eaton Park Crazy Golf in Norwich

Eaton Park Crazy Golf in Norwich
Eaton Park Crazy Golf in Norwich

Christopher was visiting the park with his daughter Elena for a train ride on the miniature railway there.


Visit the Eaton Park Crazy Golf course website for more information.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Happy National 7-Eleven Day

It's National 7-Eleven Day.


A 7-Eleven store in Stockholm, Sweden

7-Eleven convenience stores celebrate National 7-Eleven Day on when else but the 11th July.

A 7-Eleven store in Stockholm, Sweden
We were surprised to see a number of 7-Eleven stores in Stockholm on our last trip there in 2018. We'd only ever seen them in the USA before that

The first 7-Eleven Day was held in 2002.

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Dr Pac-Man's Covid-19 Testing Centre in Lanzarote

We've been documenting the signs of the covid times since the pandemic began in 2020 and have seen a number of different, interesting and fun ways to promote social distancing, testing and getting a jab.


Doctors Covid-19 Testing in Lanzarote
Doctors Covid-19 Testing in Lanzarote

This escalator advertising for a Covid-19 Testing Centre that Emily spotted in Lanzarote last month is one of the best!

Doctors Covid-19 Testing in Lanzarote
Surely Pac-Man should be avoiding the covvy though!

Doctors Covid-19 Testing in Lanzarote
Doctors Covid-19 Testing in Lanzarote

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Blackbeard's Adventure Golf in Hunstanton

My little brother Christopher and his family were recently in Hunstanton, Norfolk for a day trip and sent this photos from Blackbeard's Adventure Golf.


Blackbeard's Adventure Golf in Hunstanton. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, March 2022

Emily and I visited Blackbeard's Adventure Golf in Hunstanton back in 2011! The two courses there were the 246th and 247th courses played on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Together we've now visited 1,019 courses since September 2006.

Check out the Blackbeard's Adventure Golf Facebook Page for more information.

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Blockbuster Video Express in Failsworth, Manchester

Spotting a retail remnant on an old Blockbuster Video store in Manchester.


The QuikDrop box at the former Blockbuster Video Express store in Failsworth, Manchester

My retail archaeologist senses started twitching while on the Oldham Road in Failsworth recently as I looked at a building and thought to myself, "I bet that used to be a Blockbuster."

And sure enough, it was once a Blockbuster Video Express store.

The shop unit now home to AMC Furniture was once a Blockbuster Video Express store
The shop unit now home to AMC Furniture was once a Blockbuster Video Express store

I've only driven along this particular part of the road once before, but luckily this time the view of the shop front was clear and I could see the QuikDrop box still in place!

The QuikDrop box at the former Blockbuster Video Express store in Failsworth, Manchester

Blockbuster Video

We're big fans of video, videos stores, retail history and retro stuff and have been visiting and documenting the last remaining traces of the Blockbuster brand in the UK over the last few years. We've seen a number of the brand's shopfronts, signs and QuikDrop boxes. As well as some other video shops.


Blockbuster Video Stores

The first Blockbuster Video store opened in Dallas, Texas, USA in 1985.

At its peak in 2004 there were more than 9,000 stores around the world. 500+ of which were in the UK.

Blockbuster ceased operations in the UK in December 2013. At the start of that year there were 528 Blockbuster locations in the UK. The number dwindled until October when only 264 shops remained. The remaining stores closed on the 16th December.

There is now just one Blockbuster Video store left open. It's in Bend, Oregon, USA.

However, the UK's high streets, shopping precincts, malls and retail parks still hold traces of the brand. And we've been to most of them!

The QuikDrop box at the former Blockbuster Video Express store in Failsworth, Manchester
The QuikDrop box at the former Blockbuster Video Express store in Failsworth, Manchester

We've now visited 28 former Blockbuster Video stores since we found the remains of the Fallowfield shop.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Herne Bay Mini Golf

A look at the Mini Golf course on the seafront in Herne Bay, Kent.


Herne Bay Mini Golf
Herne Bay Mini Golf

We revisited the 78th course on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour last month.

Herne Bay Mini Golf
Mini Golf Rules

Herne Bay Mini Golf

Herne Bay Mini Golf

Herne Bay Mini Golf



Visit the iFun Family Entertainment Centre website for more info on the Herne Bay Mini Golf course.


Herne Bay Mini Golf

I've been documenting coronavirus signs during the pandemic and it was interesting to see some social distancing signs at the Herne Bay course.

A Covid-19 sign at Herne Bay Mini Golf
A Covid-19 sign at Herne Bay Mini Golf

A social distancing sign on the Herne Bay Mini Golf course
A social distancing sign on the Herne Bay Mini Golf course

A Coronavirus social distancing sign at Herne Bay Mini Golf
A Coronavirus social distancing sign at Herne Bay Mini Golf

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

A visit to the old Blockbuster Video store in Fallowfield, Manchester.


Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

I took another look at the former Blockbuster Video store at Fallowfield Retail Park while driving back from Manchester city centre on Saturday 22nd January.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

The unit next door has now closed down and there are plans to create a new supermarket on the site.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
The graffiti wasn't there the last time I looked

It'll be a shame to see this video shop relic from another time lost forever. It's an interesting and fun little time capsule.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
All Rental Returns

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

I first noticed the remains of the Blockbuster Video store while driving to Manchester in October 2019.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
The sign that first caught my attention

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
Someone has tried posting something in the QuikDrop box!




Blockbuster Video Stores

The first Blockbuster Video store opened in Dallas, Texas, USA in 1985.

At its peak in 2004 there were more than 9,000 stores around the world. 500+ of which were in the UK.

Blockbuster ceased operations in the UK in December 2013. At the start of that year there were 528 Blockbuster locations in the UK. The number dwindled until October when only 264 shops remained. The remaining stores closed on the 16th December.

There is now just one Blockbuster Video store left open. It's in Bend, Oregon, USA.

However, the UK's high streets, shopping precincts, malls and retail parks still hold traces of the brand. And we've been to most of them!

We've now been to 27 former Blockbuster Video stores since we found the remains of the Fallowfield shop.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

This sign stinks

This sign in Stockport stinks.


This sign stinks
This sign stinks

Thursday, December 09, 2021

Only Food & Sauces in Norwich

Spotting another Only Fools... business name.


We saw Only Food & Sauces in Norwich on our trip to the city last month.

Only Food & Sauces in Norwich
Only Food & Sauces in Norwich

It's the latest Only Fools & Horses business name / sign we've seen on our travels.

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

SpongeBob SquarePants at Apperley Bridge Hand Car Wash

Spotting SpongeBob SquarePants in Apperley Bridge, Bradford.


Apperley Bridge Hand Car Wash

On a recent drive from Leeds to Bradford we passed through Apperley Bridge and spotted a familiar character on a sign.

Apperley Bridge Hand Car Wash
It doesn't look much like a pineapple under the sea

Apperley Bridge Hand Car Wash

Apperley Bridge Hand Car Wash

Apperley Bridge Hand Car Wash

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Cream Me Up Scotty

We spotted Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market, Norfolk.

Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market
Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market

Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market
Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Keep following the brown signs

A blog post about brown tourist signs.


Miniature Golf brown tourist sign in Lytham St Annes

I was pleased to hear that my fellow blogger, 'dull' person and fan of the quirky Amanda from Follow The Brown Signs was back in action after a hiatus.

We've always been interested in straying off the beaten path and even before we found out about Follow The Brown Signs we would look for and find different things to see and do while out and about on our travels.

Golf centre Canolfan golff in Wrexham, Wales

Finding out about Amanda's mission and website in 2011 gave us even more ideas as well as another outlet for us to share tips and stuff from our own quest.

Just last week I spotted a brown sign, followed it and found a Pumpkin Garden!

Pumpkins at a Farm Shop in Handforth

Check out the Follow The Brown Signs website for more information and inspiration.


Here's a selection of brown tourist signs from our adventures.


Milestones Museum brown tourist sign in Basingstoke

Playing a brown tourist sign crazy golf hole in London

Brown tourist sign for Penarth Seaside and Golff Mini

Brown tourist sign for a Chair Making Museum in High Wycombe

Playing a brown tourist sign minigolf hole in London

A brown tourist sign for Oak Mead Family Golf Centre