Would you have gone 70s Christmas shopping in one of these Hartlepool streets?

Would it have been to one of these Hartlepool shopping areas in years gone by?

It’s the 1970s and you are planning a day out looking for Christmas presents in Hartlepool. Where would you have gone?

Would it have been one of these Hartlepool shopping areas and which shop would you have headed for?

First, we are heading for York Road in 1970.

Graftons shop in Hartlepool Shopping centre. It had an advert at the time which described its ‘exciting display of fashion styles for the 70s.’

Who remembers Sportskit where you could get the latest in coloured laceless footballs’ or anything you needed in rugby, squash and golf.

There was Harrison the chemists where you could stock up on mens toiletries.

If you got along to Impact, you could get everything from pantyhose to paint, and tissues to toffee sweets (three packets of chews for 2 and 6).

And if you wanted something a bit stronger, Cameron’s Wine Shop was just the job for rose’s from Spain, Portugal or France - and a snip at 10 shillings and 9 pence.

Mothercare was perfect for mums and infants.

A York Road favourite was H Lamb the Jeweller with its famous clock and just round the corner there was Perry’s which specialised in radios and televisions.

Who could forget Frank Wrights, which was a bookseller and stationer. It stocked artists materials, maps and guide books, stationery and lots more besides.

Over in the shopping centre, the Workwear Supplies shop was a great place for mens and boys Parkas while Books Fashions was an option for women’s clothes. Or there was Mothercare for the youngest family members.

Later in the decade. we’re focusing on Church Street in 1977.

There was the Dovecot store, spread over five floors, where you could get big savings on toys. A Tom and Jerry compendium of games was 99 pence, and dolls houses were £4.95.

Bar football games were £12.99 and Action Man Skyhawk was £3.50. Or how about a new Christmas tree, from £2.15.

You could get a Wild West fort for £3.99, Rotadraw for £1.30, two wheeler bikes with stabilisers for £13.99, and cowboy suits for £2.55.

There was J Boanson and Son for gifts, fancy goods, framed prints and picture framing.

And on the jewellery front, there was DA Scott for necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets.

Nearby, there was Whitby Street where at Cliff Reynolds, you could get boats and equipment, sub-aqua gear and other specialist supplies.

Which was your favourite place for a 1970s shop? Tell us more by emailing [email protected]

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.