Shopping in Essex has changed a fair bit down the years. The last couple of decades has thrown many challenges at retailers and some inevitably weren't able to keep their heads above water. While we still have some amazing shops across our county, many people head online now and there are some shops that have ceased to exist at all.
But that doesn't mean we don't miss them. We have had a look back on some of our favourite shops from the past that we can no longer visit. We’ve outlined some of our favourite brands that have disappeared from our streets.
The iconic Woolworths is much missed by many. It’s hard to believe that more than 15 years has passed since we were able to visit the much-loved chain - and we’re still not over it! It was back in 2008 that Woolies announced it would be shutting all of its stores nationwide, meaning the children of today wouldn’t have been able to experience their amazing toys as well as the tasty pic 'n' mix. It had aisles full of affordable impulse items that simply had no business being together.
A significant piece of high street history faded away with its departure and Essex felt this hole more than most with the county having a vast amount of their own Woolies. What shop would you bring back to the High Street? Vote in our poll below These were in Chelmsford, Southend, Loughton , Braintree, Wickford , Saffron Walden , Leigh-on-Sea, Harlow , Romford, Barking , Hadleigh, Witham , Canvey Island , Colchester, Basildon, Harold Hill , .