After the closure, Southwick resident Tony Wild and his friend Martin Dent started a paper and online petition, which more than 700 people signed, to keep the site as an outlet.
The 75-year-old revealed he decided to set it up after speaking to locals about the impact it was having on the community surrounding Sea Road in Fulwell.
He said: ‘I was at Fulwell Community Library and there were a few people talking about the effect it was having on them so I decided it was time to do something about it.
“There is a huge amount of talk on Sea Road about the impact of the supermarket closing and there are obviously rumors floating around about what it could be next.
“The most common rumor is that the site will be converted into a residential site with apartments being built.”
He added: “I’m quite pleased with the number of responses we’ve had on the petition so far, as well as the feedback from people who have signed it.
“Everyone keeps saying how much they miss the store and most desperately wish it was another supermarket.”
Sunderland City Council confirmed to the Echo that the local authority does not own the site and that any development applications will be determined in accordance with national and local policies, which is a process that includes the possibility of a public consultation.
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But the council also said the site is identified for commercial uses.
If you would like to view Tony and Martin’s online petition, you can click here.