For years it had been the go-to place if local folk wanted a domestic animal for company but it also traded in rather more exotic creatures too, as these pictures from the Wigan Today archive show.
The gallery includes several photos of owner Tom Whalley’s pet panther whom he wasn’t averse to taking for a walk among the shoppers.
13. Tom Whalley in his pet shop with his pet panther in September 1968
. Photo: SUBMITTED
14. The stick insect was a big seller at Tom Whalley's. Here assistant Linda Smallwood holds one
. Photo: JL
15. Martin Whalley of Whalley's Pet Shop, Jean and Dave Gee of the Boro Cafe along with Mike Dutton of Music 90, outside the premises which in 2002 were set to be demolished to make way for the Grand Arcade
. Photo: GARY KELMAN
16. Whalley's pet shop before the Grand Arcade replaced it
. Photo: submit