Revealed: The former Sunderland shops you would love to have back

It was close but readers have revealed the Sunderland shop they would most love to return from times gone by.
Woolworths in 1974.Woolworths in 1974.
Woolworths in 1974.

We posted a bit of a teaser on our new Wearside Echoes page on social media.

We asked ‘If .... you could bring back one shop from Sunderland’s past, which would it be?’

Binns still brings back many fond memories.Binns still brings back many fond memories.
Binns still brings back many fond memories.
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For some of you, the question was such a tough one you couldn’t make a choice.

But for others they were absolutely clear which it should be.

Topping the poll was Binns. Among those to give the store the thumbs-up was Edel Moon Holyoak, who said: “Fantastic shop. Not too expensive and loved the spiral staircase.”

Out of 74 to comment, Binns got 15 votes with Joplings on nine votes in second spot and Woolworths third on eight.

Joplings pictured in John Street in June 1962.Joplings pictured in John Street in June 1962.
Joplings pictured in John Street in June 1962.
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Next in joint fourth were Joseph’s toy store and C&A, while sixth was Liverpool House which, according to Susan Hill Mulvaney had ‘the best Santa’s grotto ever!’.

In joint seventh was Sgt Pepper’s, Maws and Blacketts.

Tenth spot was a tie between a number of well-known names including BHS, Geordie Jeans, Books, Brechners, and Cawthornes pie shop.

But outside of the top spots were a number of others which made for a fantastic round-up of former retail favourites and here they are in full.

The spiral staircase at Binns still remains in  the memory of Echo readers.The spiral staircase at Binns still remains in  the memory of Echo readers.
The spiral staircase at Binns still remains in the memory of Echo readers.

Tennicks, Jane Jones, Deftly, Milburns, Ginny Moores, Tandy, Spinning Disc, Hills, Howes fruit and veg shop in Park Lane, Ted Pearson, Perrys paper shop, Helens the chemist, Snowballs, Alberts, Kelly’s, Carricks, Strothers, Hot Line, Worthys, Shillings pie shop, and Littlewoods.

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Others also had suggestions but could not remember the names of the shops concerned.

And if you would like to add your own favourite to the list, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].