Memories of meeting under the Sunderland C&A sign

Meet you under the C&A sign. It was an agreement for many people planning a day out shopping in Sunderland.
Another view of Sunderlands shopping area and the C&A sign.Another view of Sunderlands shopping area and the C&A sign.
Another view of Sunderlands shopping area and the C&A sign.

And when we reminded you of it on social media, more than 15,000 took a look.

We wanted to know what you remembered and lots of you reminisced on the store, which closed in 2001.

Doggarts had Wearside stores in towns such as Seaham and Houghton-le-Spring.Doggarts had Wearside stores in towns such as Seaham and Houghton-le-Spring.
Doggarts had Wearside stores in towns such as Seaham and Houghton-le-Spring.
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The Sunderland branch had first opened in 1969 and was one of the top performing stores in the chain. But what did you remember of it – and that sign?

Ria Johnson said “their “clock house” range of clothing” and added: “Loved the ra ra skirts.”

June Tye said she “went in every Saturday to get something new to wear Saturday night x”.

Margaret Crosbie bought her wedding dress at C&A and said it cost her £12 around 50 years ago.

C&A in 1983.C&A in 1983.
C&A in 1983.
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Mandy Bates and Deb Howell Smith both loved trying the hats on, while Susan Gray was another who used to “love ‘Clock House’ range! X”.

Alison Barrett said she had a Saturday job there and added: “Good times.”

And Susan Tully told us: “I worked in Dixons, Walworth Way, then Ray Alan menswear, Market Square. Happy times, Saturdays, busy busy, no Sunday opening then.”

Leslie Yeo worked opposite C&A in Alexandre the Tailors, while Lesley Archie commented: “Everyone all ways met at C&A on a night out. It was the place to meet. Loved shopping in it though x.”

Blacketts Store which closed in the 1970s.Blacketts Store which closed in the 1970s.
Blacketts Store which closed in the 1970s.
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Then there were those who commented on the international aspect of C&A, including Patricia Worthy, who said: “Loved this shop. At least here in Switzerland we’ve still got three so lucky.”

Carol Walia-Modral said: “Wish C&A would open shops in England again,” while Lorna Walton said she still goes into C&A when in Spain.

What about memories of other stores? Did you love a trip to Doggarts or Blacketts, Joplings or Binns?

Share those memories by emailing [email protected]