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.
Hartlepool has had many firm favourites over the years and many of you will remember Binns, Woolworths, Adams, Westgates and more.