From well-established city centre favourites to some new kids on the block, here’s some of the independent retailers, selling everything from natural wines to designer clothes, worth checking out if you’re planning to shop local more.
9. Hot Rats, Waterloo Place
Hot Rats are local music legends. More recently it moved to Waterloo Place, but it's still the city's only independent record shop, specialising in vinyl, CDs, t-shirts, merchandise and gig tickets. | Sunderland Echo
10. Master Debonair, Mackie's Corner
Master Debonair offers one of the best shopping experiences around with its stylish shop at Mackie's Corner, featuring 'Peep Show' changing rooms and a hidden private suite for groomsmen. It's ideal for occasionwear for weddings and the Races, as well as smart casual wear. It continues a legacy of retail in the city, with Mackie's Corner once being home to Sunderland's very first fashion stores in the 1840s | Sunderland Echo
11. Darke Cycles, John Street
Darke Cycles has been helping Wearsiders get in the saddle for more than 40 years after first setting up shop in Fulwell in 1982. Today, it's based in John Street. It's an excellent choice for bikes, repairs, cycle hire and part exchange and stocks all of the biggest brands including Rayleigh, Mongoose, GT, Rocker Mini BMX and Cannondale. It also offers custom wheel building. Pictured is Peter Darke. | Sunderland Echo
12. Müllers, Blandford Street
It's a Sunderland institution that's been keeping Mackems well fed in breads and cakes for decades and Müllers is still going strong in Blandford Street. You can also check out its branches in Sea Road and Villette Road. | Sunderland Echo