Remembering when children got their own basket in Joplings

It was no different earlier this month when we showed a picture with the closing signs up.

It was back in 2007 when the store was first under threat. And although new owners stepped in at that time, the days of the popular store were over around three years later, as many readers pointed out on our post.

We asked for your best memories and you had plenty.

Beverley Harrison said: “When I was a child, Snta and the ride, that little sweet shop. You got your own little shopping basket to carry your sweets around the shop in.”

Karen Paszek said: “Oh my goodness! Such good memories. I have lived overseas for a number of years, every Christmas my mom who was a single parent took me there.

“I could choose any toy and as I got older any clothing that I wanted. I didn’t realize until I got older how much of a financial sacrifice that was for my mom. Will always be happy memories.”

Sue Hughes said:”To think Sunderland have lost a lot of good shops .... joblings,binns, British home stores, Woolworths sad really all these fabulous shops.”

Susan Reid said: “Such a shame!! I am 62 but remember going there with my mam when I was very young.

“There was a great slide and a big stuffed giraffe upstairs some where. Also loved to go shopping on my own in the little sweetshop with a little wire basket for ha’penny chews etc.

“I really missed it when it closed and still do!! The staff were lovely. I also remember shopping at the Inline Boutique as a teenager.”

June Tye loved “he christmas ride to go see father christmas in his grotto - i thought i had gone miles!!”

Thanks to everyone who responded and to the 62,000 people who spotted the post on social media.