News of Wilko facing administration - and 12,000 jobs under threat - is the latest blow to the retail world.
But Wearside has been hit by the departure of other famous names in the past, from Binns to Blacketts, and Somerfield to Woolworths.
All were captured on film by Echo photographers during their last days.
Here are nine Sunderland stores where we photographed shoppers and staff before they closed for good.
Have a browse and tell us which ones you grabbed one final deal at.
9. Shutting the doors at Joplings in 2010 after a last day of trading.
Shutting the doors at Joplings in 2010 after a last day of trading. | se
10. The Mothercare store in Sunderland announced its closure in 2017 and brought an end to 50 years of business.
The Mothercare store in Sunderland announced its closure in 2017 and brought an end to 50 years of business. | se
11. They all closed their doors for one last time but we want your recollections of them. Email [email protected]
They all closed their doors for one last time but we want your recollections of them. Email [email protected] | se