7 stores Mackem shoppers have loved and lost

“Shop at Binns for Everything” was the slogan on every tram, bus and the Echo front page for decades. But, the town offered a much wider shopping choice than just Binns...

If you remember visiting Santa at Liverpool House, shopping for bargains at Blacketts, playing with toys at Joseph’s, the “Wonder of Woolworths” or buying your stone-washed jeans at Geordie Jeans - then read on.

1: Binns: The legendary store was founded as a draper by George Binns in 1811. It survived two World Wars and the Great Depression - but finally closed on January 30, 1993.

2: Joseph’s: Saddler Benjamin Olshowski opened the first Joseph’s store in 1881. The early years saw it specialise in sport but, by the time it closed in 1997, it was famous for toys.

3: Joplings: The department store was established as a drapers in 1804 by James Jopling. Bought by Hedley, Swan and Co in 1891. Rebuilt after a fire in 1954, but closed in 2010.

4: Liverpool House: A department store founded by WC Thompson and boasting “the best Santa in town” - apart from, perhaps, Joplings... Almost 110 years of trading ended in April 1977.

5: Blacketts: This much-loved department store was founded by draper William Blackett in 1826. It closed on July 29, 1972, with the loss of 150 jobs.

6: Hills Bookshop: Opened by Quaker Henry Hills in 1852. It originally stood of the corner of Nile Street and High Street, but later moved to Waterloo Place. It closed in 2006.

7: Books Fashions: Situated in a prominent position on Crowtree Road/Park Lane and opposite the Beehive pub. A must for buying 60s chic and 70s flares.

And, of course, don’t forget other Wearside shopping gems such as Durham Book Centre, Geordie Jeans, Maws Pies, Woolworths, F. Clarks. Brechners, Nirita Oriental Gift Shop (patchouli oil anyone?), Shares, Kennedys, The Red Shop and Esquire...