I'm wondering who remembers the Sunderland fashion store which was demolished 35 years ago this week
Thirty five years have passed since one of Sunderland’s best known fashion stores was gone forever.
The Books fashion shop was being demolished at this time in 1991.
There was speculation that the site could become the home of an extended Bridges shopping complex in Sunderland. International property developer The Heron Corporation was keen to expand on the success of the £15million market square site.
A Sunderland Echo report at time said: “Sunderland Council is now having detailed talks with Heron to see if it can be achieved.
“Work on the demolition of Books, in Vine Place, should be finished in a few weeks, with any new developments pencilled in for a summer start.”
Books Fashions was in the heart of the city centre and, although it was demolished in the early 1990s, it still brings back fond memories for many shoppers.
We featured a story about it in the Sunderland Echo seven years ago and readers remembered buying everything from Afghan coats to wedding dresses.
Lots of people remembered it being a posh shop with a ‘very grand staircase’. And while the prices were quite high, the goods were quality and made to last.
It was also pictured when the Santa parade went past in the 1970s. Some people said it was a landmark meeting spot before closing in 1989.
The question is, was it the best in town for clothes back in the day or was there another store which was better. Tell us more.
We have photos of Books from 1991 when it faced demolition and from 1958 when there was a Books fashion show in town.
Share your memories of the fashion favourite by emailing [email protected]