Shop local, shop Sunderland – that’s always been at the heart of campaigns run by Sunderland BID.

And there’s never been a better time to do just that, particularly for the retailers in Blandford Street.

The recent fire meant that stores in the street were temporarily closed but now it’s very much business as usual for the majority of traders – and these stores need the support of the city’s shoppers.

Blandford Street is one of Sunderland’s oldest shopping streets, dating back to the turn of the century.

The retailers may have changed over the decades but their ethos has remained the same – to provide city centre-goers with a range of first class outlets.

That determined spirit is even more evident that the day after the fire virtually every retailer opened its doors to customers.

“The devastating fire at the Peacocks store was obviously a terrible blow to Blandford Street,” said Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID.

“But we hope that shoppers will remember that there is still a fantastic variety of retailers in the street who are still trading and really need the support of the city.

“We hope people will get behind them.”

Shop Sunderland is a campaign spearheaded by Sunderland BID to encourage local people to support the city’s retailers.

Visit www.sunderlandbid.co.uk for more information.