20 - Long Eaton Co-op, Wallace Street

The first Co-operative shop in Gotham opened in 1873 on Meadow End. Subsequently this was taken over and became a retail branch of Lenton and Nottingham Co-operative. In 1898 Long Eaton Co-operative opened Gotham No.9 branch in 1898 at No.8 Wallace Street, later moving to new premises opposite in 1904, picture. The first week’s takings were £34, which by 1928 had risen to £311. The two shops traded in Gotham until the Nottingham one closed down.

A manager’s house was built alongside in1911 and later a drapery section added. The Long Eaton shop finally closed in 1987, with hindsight it suffered from not being on the main road and from restricted parking. The building has since been used for different businesses but now houses a private children’s day nursery.