But do you recognise any of the people in these South Tyneside shop and store photos from the past?
They all come from the Shields Gazette archives and show favourites such as Bon Marche, Wickes, Asda, River Island and Desire at Debebhams.
Some supported charity while others were pictured on a special day for the store.
Perhaps you can spot a work colleague in one of our photos or maybe you were in the picture yourself. The only way to find out is by joining us on a retro journey down the aisles.
9. Fancy that! It's a big day a the Co-op in Dean Road
Co-op store staff were dressed up to launch a Community Challenge Volunteer Initiative in 2006. Photo: SN
10. Brilliant at Bon Marche
Staff from the Bon Marche store in the Viking Centre in Jarrow held a raffle day to raise money for the fight against Breast Cancer in 2009. Photo: SN
11. Dialling in to 2008
Staff outside the 02 store in King Street on the first anniversary of the store in 2008. Photo: TR
12. Bags of memories
Did you work in one of these stores and did these photos bring back happy memories? Tell us more by emailing [email protected] Photo: sg