There's corner ones, high street ones and the ones in huge centres,.
We are talking about shops but have you ever wondered how much the street they are on has changed over the years?
Wonder no more. We have seven views of streets on Wearside - but as they looked decades ago and more recently, courtesy of Google Maps.
Get your coat on for an Echo retro trip to Thorney Close, Holmeside, and over to Silver Street in Durham.
1. Retro retail therapy
Have a look and tell us how much your favourite shopping street has changed.
1 / 3