Allan's, Rippons and Woolworths - the must-visit shops from South Tyneside's past to spend your pocket money
A quarter of sweets from your favourite shop, choosing one of the latest singles you may have heard on the radio or a new trinket to show your friends.
If you were lucky enough to get pocket money as a youngster, these were just some of the things you could have chosen to spend it on.
This Throwback Thursday, we’re taking a shopping trip down South Tyneside’s memory lane to shine a light on the stores you always visited when you had some coins to spend.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFrom comics and toy cars to sweet treats and records, here are some of the most popular choices.
Geordie Jeans
A fashion favourite!
Were you saving up your pocket money coins and notes to make a purchase here?
It got a mention from Julie Harrison.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFreddie Furlong's
This Jarrow shop in Ellison street was on the list for many Gazette readers.
Childhood customers included Louise Conquer, Tracy Curren and Dave Rutherford.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLoads Sweet Shop
A favourite for Sharon Goldfinch, Steve Kinson and Kathleen McConvill.
Was it a pick ‘n’ mix or a quarter of your favourite candies from the jar?
Mary’s
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMichael Jones: “Mary and John’s, Mortimer Road. John gave you loads more and free shots on the arcade machine in the back. Mary bumped you every time!”
Dave Myers: “Mary’s on Mortimer Road, 10p mix ups and ice cups after school.”
Steve Reynolds: “Mary's, Mortimer Road late 70s early 80s. Kets for nowt them days.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRippons Toy Shop
A treasure trove of toys for David Hall, Amanda Rice, Stephen Stokes and more.
Malcolm Brown said it was a must-visit for his Subbuteo teams.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSwainston's Sweet Shop
A trip to your sweet shop of choice was a big treat! And Swainston’s was the one for many of the Gazette readers.
Thanks to Sharon Oley, Beverley Smith, Kirsty Vaughan and more for the shout-outs.
T & G Allan
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRace you to the toy department!
Dianne Martin: “T G Allan's every Saturday, loved that shop.”
George Hyde: “TG Allan, downstairs if for toys if I remember correctly.”
Woolworths
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdStationery! Sweets! The latest singles. A trip to Woollies ticked all the boxes.
Rachael Gibson: “I loved going to Woolworths to get loads of Christmas stocking sweets.”
Kelly Crowther: “Woolworths. That shop was like magic to me.”