Marks & Spencer shut its King Street store citing a decline in sales and the high cost of modernising the shop among the reasons.
It prompted a huge reaction among Shields Gazette readers and here are 11 of them who spoke up at the time.
In case you missed it;
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1. Vickie had her say
Teenage hairdresser Vickie Woodward, 18, from Boldon said: “I’d love Primark to come to Shields. There is a Primark in Sunderland and Newcastle, so why not? They sell cheap and attractive clothing and it appeals to young people." | sg
2. 'I shopped there for my nanna and grandad'
NHS worker David Trotter, 22, of West Park, said: “It doesn’t really affect me, but I do go shopping there for my nanna and grandad quite often, so it will matter to them. They’ve been talking about it. “It was probably the only good shop that was left on the street.” | sg
3. Shannon's view from 12 years ago
JobCentre worker Shannon Goodall, 21, said: “I’d like to see a PC World or a Currys on the street – that’s what it is lacking. That’s the only thing that would make me more likely to shop in town.” | sg
4. 'It won't be the last'
Rail company worker Michael Donald, 22, from Westoe, said the closure 'shows the way things are. “This is just the latest in a list of shops - it won’t be the last to close.” | sg