We are asking the question after the news that Debenhams joins the list of businesses which will no longer have stores on the high street.
Fashion retailer Boohoo has bought the Debenhams brand and website for £55million but will not take on its 118 stores.
South Tyneside has had many firm favourites over the years and many of you will remember HMV, Burtons, BHS and more.
But how many of the shops in our photo selection did you shop in? And what was the best buy you ever got in a South Tyneside shop?
Take a look through our archive collection and then get in touch to tell us more.
5. Over on Queen Street
Ethel Austin in Queen Street in 2010 at around the time it faced closure. It was a popular choice on the UK's high streets. Did you love it? Photo: TR
6. The last day at Woolworths
Woolworths last day of trading in King Street in 2008. It was famous for it's pick n' mix and more but which sections of Woolworths did you love the most? Photo: SN
7. Game in 2011
A 2011 view of Game in King Street. It closed three years later. Photo: IAIN BROWN
8. A reminder of BHS
BHS in 2016, the year that it closed its Waterloo Square branch in South Shields Photo: sg