But who remembers the day that Sainsbury’s opened in Wessington Way or Poundland opened in High Street West?
Were you there when Primark opened in The Bridges or Morrisons opened in Castletown. How about B&M in Pallion or Wilkinsons at the Galleries.
Lots of people turned out to watch and perhaps we have got you in the retro picture at one of these store openings.
1. Popular at Primark
Customers flood in for the official opening of the new Primark store in The Bridges in 2012. Were you among them? Photo: Pictures Corrina Atkinson.
2. Pictured at Sainsbury's
Back to 2013 and Mayor of Sunderland, Iain Kay, Store manager Chris Stevens and Castle View academy pupil, Alex Naisbet officially opened the new Sainsbury's store on Wessington Way in Sunderland North. Photo: Picture Corrina Atkinson.
3. A warm welcome at Poundland
Sunderland Empire panto start Tom Lister was pictured with Claire Rushworth after he had officially opened the new Poundland store in High Street West in 2012. Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady
4. Memories from Morrisons
Cutting the ribbon to officially open the new Morrisons store in Castle View, Castletown were, left to right, Helen Ford, Norma Armstrong and Jenni Little all of Save the Children, store manager Paul Harrison, assistant deputy manager Jeff Williams and area manager Bob Grey. Were you there in 2011? Photo: Picture by Kevin Brady