As Bilston celebrates the opening of the long-awaited new home for its market, we're taking a trip back to the 1960s and 1970s, when market day was one of the highlights of the week across Wolverhampton.
From bustling stalls and friendly traders, these archive pictures capture a time when markets were at the heart of everyday community life.
Enjoy browsing through the gallery, and don't forget to share your favourite memories and tell us who or what you recognise in the comments.
Fancy another trip down memory lane? Explore our gallery of life in Wolverhampton and the Black Country during the 1980s here.
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1. Retail Market, 1960
Ronald Gough (right) and his cousin Jim stand proudly at their fruit stall in Wolverhampton’s old Retail Market Hall on North Street in May 1960. With Ron holding out a pineapple, and the ‘Sam Hicks’ sign visible in the background, the scene captures the character and charm of market trading from a bygone era. | Express & Star archive
2. Open Market, 1960
The countdown was on for Wolverhampton's Open Market in St Peter's Square when this photograph was taken on May 18, 1960. With traders preparing to relocate and signs advertising the new market, it captures a landmark moment in the city's history. | Express & Star archive
3. Retail Market, 1960
A familiar name for many Wolverhampton shoppers, Russell's Footwear Ltd is pictured in the Retail Market on School Street/Salop Street in October 1971. The business had been part of the market since it opened in 1960. | Express & Star archive
4. Retail Market, 1961
A view from above of Wolverhampton’s old Retail Market Hall on North Street in January 1961, as demolition work began. Taken from the top of St Peter’s Church tower, the image captures a changing cityscape, with landmarks including St Mark’s, Chapel Ash, the Civic Hall and the Old Town Hall visible in the distance. | Express & Star archive