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 £55m but will not take on its 118 stores.
Hartlepool has had many firm favourites over the years and many of you will remember Binns, Woolworths, Adams, Westgates 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 Hartlepool shop?
Take a look through our archive collection and then get in touch to tell us more.
1. nphm-27-01-21-retroshops-NEPupload
Toys, games, childrens clothes, sweets and the latest records. You got them all in Woolworths but what was your best buy at the shop? Photo: hm
2. A reminder of Mike Gough Sports
Was Mike Gough Sports your preference for sporting choices? Photo: hm
3. A Middleton Grange favourite
Littlewoods Index was in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre until 2005 but was it a favourite of yours? Photo: hm
4. Was Greenwoods a great choice?
Greenwoods was in the picture in 2007 but was it a place you would go to for clothes? Photo: hm