The beep of barcodes being scanned became a familiar sound at stores across the country, while huge supermarkets, out of town shopping centres, and burger bars were cropping up everywhere.
This retro photo gallery takes you back to the 1980s in Sheffield, showing some of the shops which were popular at the time - and the much-loved characters who ran them.
Among the stores featured are Sugg Sport, Redgates toy shop, Woolworths, Debenhams, Pulse records, Freeman, Hardy and Willis, and Wallis’s.
As well as big national chains, these pictures show many independent stores, both in Sheffield city centre and out in the suburbs, including Manor, Firth Park, Walkley and Hillsborough.
How many of the lost stores pictured do you remember, and what was your favourite place at which to shop in the 1980s?
Do you have retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at www.yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
1. Orchard Street
Orchard Street, Sheffield city centre, in 1980, showing Sally's Pantry, Sally's Tea and Coffee Shop, Alexander Bortner and John Nolan jewellery shops, and The Museum pub | Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd
2. Sugg Sport
Sugg Sport, on Castle Street, Sheffield city centre, in 1986, with Paul Waplington's Steelworker brick mural on the side of the building and a GT News kiosk in front | Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd
3. Pulse
Shops on Cambridge Street, Sheffield, in 1985, including Pulse, clothing, records and posters; Piccolo cafe; and The Nameless Restaurant | Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd
4. Brick Trams
Brick Trams on The Moor, Sheffield city centre, in October 1983, with Quadrant Stationers, Woolworths and Debenhams among the shops visible | Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers Ltd