Shops and businesses come and go over the years, and many favourites are no longer around.
Despite this, the names stay long in the memory for many and are still used to navigate our region. St Helens has seen more than its fair share of beloved businesses close their doors over the years, but hearing "I'm just passing Blockbuster now" isn't unusual, despite the chain having shut down just under ten years ago.
The ECHO looked at some businesses and landmarks that are no longer around, yet still used for navigation by the people of St Helens.
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Blockbuster
The video giant went bust in 2013, and closed almost all of its UK stores, including the Newton-le-Willows store on Wargrave Road, and St Helens' Bridge Street store. Despite its closure, the memories of visiting Blockbuster to rent a film are still etched in the memories of many.
As a result, when passing the premises which were once home to the video stores, most people will still say "I'm just passing Blockbuster now."
Daniel Hunter said: "I always say, “Just passing Blockbuster now” and the shops on Wargrave Road will always be St David’s."
Woolworths
Another huge name on the high street, loyal customers and staff alike were left devastated when the company went bust in late 2008, resulting in the closure of all 807 Woolworths stores in the UK. Marian Cropper, from Newton-le-Willows, worked at Woolworths' Earlestown branch for four decades. She told the ECHO: "Woolworths was a very good firm to work for, hence my long service. I am proud to say I worked there for 40 years, working up from office junior to main cashier and office manager at the age of 18."
The site of the former Woolworths store in Newton-le-Willows is now Heron Foods. One person told the ECHO: "Every time I walk down Market Street and pass Heron, I still call it Woolworths almost 15 years later."
Helena House
Helena House was a huge redbrick building once located on Baldwin Street in St Helens town centre. The department store boasted an array of shops, a café and a Santa's grotto and more - and is still fondly remembered by residents across the borough.
Unfortunately, the iconic co-op owned building was levelled in the late 1980s, but this hasn't stopped many reminiscing on days spent at Helena House. Debra Gent said: "Helena House, loved that place especially the Xmas grotto and Mum always took us to the café for tea and toast, such happy memories."
Due to the size of the building, those of a certain age still use Helena House as a point of reference when navigating the town centre.
Marks and Spencer
When St Helens' Marks and Spencer store closed its doors in 2019, many saw it as a huge blow for the town centre. The Market Street store had brought in people from all over the borough to do their shopping, and enjoy a drink at the café.
One person said: "The M&S store closing down was a hit for the town, but I'll always refer to the building as Marks and Spencer.
Tyrer's
In 2016, fourth-generation manager Ali Tyrer made the ‘heartbreaking’ decision to shut the iconic St Helens department store Tyrers because the 128-year-old store was struggling to compete.
The five-floor shop, specialising in high quality men’s and women’s clothing, had begun more humbly in Ali's great-grandfather’s house.
William Tynsley Tyrer started out with a box of bootsand a £50 loan from a friend in 1888, when Queen Victoria was on the throne.
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