IT seems as though it was an incredibly long time ago when Southend High Street was bustling with shoppers.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in numerous businesses being shut for extensive periods of time since the initial outbreak in March.
National lockdowns saw non-essential businesses forced to close their doors, while some have not been so fortunate and closed for good after being unable to battle through this challenging period.
It is now the time of year when our high streets would usually be busy, with residents purchasing Christmas presents ahead of the big day on December 25.
Not having to stand two metres apart - shoppers form an orderly queue ahead of a Keddies sale in 1988
While that is not the case this year, due to Covid-19 fears and internet shopping being more popular than ever, we have found these snaps of when Southend High Street was bustling.
Scroll down to see more eye-catching photographs of what Southend High Street has been like in previous decades at Christmas time.
Eerie silence - how Southend High Street looked during the second national lockdown, which was put in place by the government due to the coronavirus pandemic, last month Picture: GAZ DE VERE
Before internet shopping was a thing - Southend High Street has been quieter this year due to the coronavirus pandemic but it was bustling with shoppers in previous decades
Festive shopping - south Essex residents rushed to Southend High Street to grab their last minute Christmas gifts in December 1985
Tinsel - Christmas decorations adorn the high street as shoppers make their way to their favourite shops in 1991
Wrapping up warm - shoppers flocked to Southend High Street to ensure they made their last minute Christmas purchases in 1975
SEE ALSO
- Looking back at what historic Southend Pier was like before social distancing existed
- IN PICTURES: Coronation Street stars who have swapped the cobbles for south Essex over the years
Nightlife - Southend High Street is left deserted after trading ends on a day building up to Christmas in 1989
Wonderful time of the year - the Southend High Street Christmas tree can be seen in the background as shoppers ventured out in December 1977
Spending their money - shoppers headed to the likes of Caters Supermarket just days after celebrating Christmas 45 years ago
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