Directories: How Much do they help in SEO

I have been told that Directories submissions for your websites/blogs do not carry as much weight as they use to in the Google Alogrithms as they use to. I feel like they still have there place in the overall big picture and still help you as far as your search engine optimization efforts. I spent last week building links to one of my new stores and it has really helped me in the rankings for a wide array of keywords in my Unlocked Cell Phone Store . This shows me that it still helps even if it only brings you in 30 more visitors a day. I believe over time it is worth it and my sales will show it.