Images transport us back to 1970s bingo and bargains at Dundee’s Dens Road Market.

Return to the much-missed Dens Road Market of the 1970s, where the stalls were crowded with people looking for great buys.

Over a decade, more than 100 stalls brought the indoor market to life.

“Dundee’s own Petticoat Lane” started in 1969 in an old jute plant on Dens Road and initially operated from 8.30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Its moniker immediately spread across the House of Commons.

By the 1970s, Sunday openings were in high demand, making it the market’s busiest day, with 5,000 visitors packing the aisles.

It was named “Scotland’s finest indoor market” in 1974.

There was “something for everyone”.

“There isn’t anywhere quite like Dundee’s own market” was its tagline.

These photographs will bring back memories for a generation of shoppers who recall the Carpet Bazaar, Dave’s Shirt Bar, M&I Records, and Jean’s Café.

James Wilkie and Sons was the garden centre, “Fantasia” was the “London boutique”, Christine’s was the baby shop, and The Jewel Box sold make-up and cosmetics.

Dens Sports Center sold golf clubs and fishing poles.

Maybe you played prize bingo at Dens Amusements?

The fragrance of chips, peas, and vinegar coming from the Buster Stall was amazing.

However, by the early 1980s, as the Wellgate Centre and Market Hall gained popularity, the Dens Road institution faced tough competition.

Unfortunately, the market became a part of the city’s history, experiencing a downward cycle that culminated in a decreasing number of stalls before its last vendor departed in October 2013.

1971

The booth holders were resolved not to be defeated following the closure of the Green Market, which was held every Friday and Saturday.

The market relocated to an ancient church hall on Ure Street, which proved to be too tiny.

Six local traders negotiated a 21-year lease for the jute factory on Dens Road, which became part of Dundee folklore after it opened in 1969.

Six traders were on the market’s management committee.

There were plenty of discounts to be gained among the various stalls that drew shoppers not just from Dundee, but also from throughout Fife and even Aberdeen.

In 1971, the People’s Journal referred to Dens Road Market as a “mecca” of shopping.

It was an enormous mess of stalls.

A location where you’d see women poring through mounds of net curtains and men combing through rails of leather jackets in search of a deal.

The ages of the stall holders ranged from the early 20s to a woman in her 80s.

They operated between one and four stalls each.

“Where the bargains are” became the market’s tagline in the 1970s.

1972

Opening hours in 1972 were Monday 8.30am-1pm, Friday 8.30am-3pm, Saturday 8.30am-5pm and Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Back then, the market was very much a family affair.

Stocking the shelves at the Grocery Mart in September 1972.

Tins of Heinz baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and spaghetti were all on exhibit.

Corn flakes appeared alongside Penguin biscuits, Jaffa Cakes, and Wondermash, a competitor to Smash that provided a quick and easy method to eat mashed potatoes.

JR Ritchie, photographed at his RVR Floral stand in September 1972.

It advertised “artificial flowers at unbeatable prices”.

In September 1972, there was a selection of “dried grasses, wedding corsages, carnations, palm plants, wall brackets, and wall plants” available.

The bingo booth in Dens Road Market in September 1972.

It provided the “best prizes in town”.

Krazy Kuts, Gift Bazaar, and M&I Records are all in the backdrop.

Krazy Kuts was selling “to brighten your home” shades, coffee and phone tables, table and standard lamps, mirrors, photographs, and chairs.

“It pays to give us a visit” was its tagline.

1975

A busy scene at the mall in September 1975.

“Branded goods and leading store seconds” arrived every week at the market.

A sign for Easton’s Fruit Bazaar is in the background.

Margaret’s Shoe Boutique at Dens Road Market in September 1975.

“Shoes all at ‘footable’ prices” was the stall’s tagline.

There was furniture at greatly reduced prices upstairs.

A queue at Easton’s Fruit Bazaar in September 1975.

There was “fresh fruit at bargain prices”.

It was another stall which was “cheapest in town”.

Who could resist?

1976

The Candy Floss Bar in September 1976 at the indoor market.

Soft drinks, toffee apples and crisps were also on sale.

The Gift Bazaar was the perfect place for a “wedding or engagement present”.

The Furniture Showroom offered the “cheapest prices in town”.

It sold new three-piece suites, bunk beds, single beds and double beds.

They also advertised “many other bargains in new and second-hand furniture”.

1977

People walking past Tools and Togs in September 1977.

It offered “quality tools” which were the “cheapest in town”.

Boiler suits, overalls, jeans, working boots, gloves, donkey jackets, rubber boots and waterproof clothing were among the other items in stock.

You could often haggle for a bargain with the stall holders.

The market was popular with people of all ages in the 1970s.

It appealed to “the golden age, the younger ones and the trendy set”.

1978

Two men passing some crockery on sale in September 1978.

On the right is the wines and spirits kiosk.

A 25p “Cashcade” ticket in 1978 could win up to £1,000 in prize money.

Stopping for a break at Dens Road Market in September 1978.

Check out the ashtrays on the table.

It was always the place for a good gossip.

Stall fronts visible include Everything Electrical, Gifts and Occasions and Gift Bazaar.

Everything Electrical sold plugs, lamps, radios, stereos, kettles, and irons.

Boxes of Ever Ready battery power packs were stored overhead.

The full shelves of wines and spirits may be seen in the backdrop.

This is the final photograph in our gallery.

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