Christmas in Sunderland: Remembering the Christmas shops we loved as city builds up for festive season

While there are now just six weeks to wait until an exciting visit from Santa Claus, many would prefer to see the festive build-up firmly confined to the month of December (or indeed just the days before the 25th itself). But with so much to organise for the big day – from cards and presents to a delicious dinner and everyone’s favourite tipples on tap – many of us have to start with plenty of time to spare.

Whether you’ve grown up to be a savvy shopper or a “buy-it-all-at-the-last-minute” type of customer, most of us can agree that there was ONE shop from your younger days that summed up the magic and sparkle of the Christmas season.

As Sunderland families begin to get swept up in the excitement of the festive season, we asked about their Christmas preparations – and the one city business that was always on their list for shopping.

The best Christmas shops from days gone by

Kym Cruddas: “Woolworths, every Christmas I'd practically live in there and Joplings with my mam. Great shops and fantastic memories.”

Evelyn Patterson: “I worked at Blacketts when I left school and it was an amazing store.”

Andrea Cartledge: “Woolworths, I loved my little Saturday job there, the staff were like family and the regular customers came week in, week out.”

Anne Peart: “Woolworths, Joplings, British Home Stores, Binns … they were the shops I went to as a young girl.”

Wendy Malt: “BHS. Always had lovely gifts that were a bit different to everywhere else.”

Judy Carver: “My memories are of Binns, Blacketts, Joplings and BHS window decorations. I have a store in Canada and try to do the same here for the kids … they love it.”

June Bell: “Joplings – so many memories going there with my Mam and Grandma. I remember spending Joplings money. Happy days.”

Debbi Beston: “Liverpool House to see Santa.”

William Clemmet: “As a boy, Saxons just to look at the toys that were too expensive for me!”

How do you start your Christmas preparations?

Carol Thompson: “Make the Christmas cake in September.”

John Chick: “Try and get all presents in by December 1, then relax.”

Ryan Pilkington: “Check what time shops open on Christmas Eve to start shopping.”

Maxine Langley: “Start in January!”

Jackie Counter: “Make reservations to eat out.”

Joanne Knebel: “Buy new decorations and started buying the prezzies.”

Kelly Howard: “Book a table at The Shepherd & Shepherdess at Beamish for Christmas Eve.”

Michelle Todd: “Sing Christmas songs from October.”

Sue Atkinson: “Go on a sunshine holiday.”

Liz Savage: “Get my Christmas cakes baked in October.”

Alison Jordan: “Wait until its December!”

However you and your loved ones prepare for the Christmas season, we hope you have a happy, safe and stress-fee build-up to December 25. Sunderland will be lit up for Christmas from Thursday, November 17 when SAFC legend Kevin Phillips switches on the city’s festive lights.