South Tyneside shops so 'Handy' for bargains

When most of the shops in this week’s picture selection were in their infancy, plastic bags were probably yet to make an appearance, with most people being armed with a Roy Cropper-style shopping bag.

Today, of course, they are a rare beast, following the 5p charge per bag.

Mind you, some things haven’t changed, with most of us keen to spot a bargain or two.

Just take the two lads in the “new” Handy Shop, for example.

Back in August 1984, they can be seen eyeing up a Duran Duran record. Do you recognise the young customers, and did they buy the record?

Watch out for a selection of photos featuring local record shops in the coming weeks. Perhaps you might be on one of them.