This is a deceptively large well stocked kitchen/ cooking equipment shop. Very helpful staff and…read morebetter stocked than most department stores' cookery sections. I always try and buy stuff from here rather than on the internet because I love shopping there so much. They even have a little bit where children can sit and play. Beautiful shopping experience

Marchants is a unique independant store tucked away down a side street of town but well worth the…read morewalk to. Unfortunately there is no parking outside, although there is a drop off and pick up zone close by. Parking would be either via a nearby car park or the town centre. The shop has a wide range of products for the cooking enthusiast, from pots and pans to containers, dishes, utensils and far too many more to list. The staff are always very polite, greet you on entering and offer to help you find just what you are looking for - nothing is ever too much trouble. The will help you to source items and make suggestions for you. The only downside with this store is that it is tricky to get around with a large buggy, but for slightly older children there is an area with toys for them to play with whilst you shop in peace and quiet.

The second stop on my home improvement quest, but it turned out to be much more than just DIY…read more Large store (2 floors) filled with all the do-it-yourself basics, plus home furnishings and lots of the small bits you need around the house. The patio furniture especially caught my eye and will require a return visit.

Poor experience. Wasn't able to fully check out the store. Tried to use the bathroom but there was…read moreno toilet paper in any of the 3 rooms. No one was around so had to ask for toilet paper from one of the cashiers. She sent me to the house hold section to try and find some. I was thinking really am I really looking for toilet paper to drop a dook. I finally found some but then some manager lady said I couldn't use that toilet paper. Then some young man brought me some as she had me wait in the disgusting bathroom area. I felt like that bathroom violated me. I felt so dirty when I left that bathroom. Then as I come out my wife asks where I have been for 30 minutes. She wanted to leave so I didnt get to see much of the store. 1 star for having a bathroom that didnt have what I needed and made me feel dirty when I left.

B and Q have recently moved from much smaller premises on Cowdray Avenue, which has been an…read moreexcellent move on the part of the company. The new store at the Hythe is much larger, with a huge car park and a much greater range of goods. Staff are almost always helpful and willing to give advice on DIY projects and the like. There is a huge range of products, from plants and accessories to serious building materials. Stock levels on larger items can be inaccurate on the website, but this can be rectified by simply enquiring in store. In all, a very good DIY store that has ample parking and facilities.

Excellant range of everything you need for the house and the garden. Easy access and loads of…read moreparking. Always changing their range for the seasons

This branch of Carpetright is located on a large retail park on the edge of town, right next to one…read moreof its competitors which makes for ease of comparison. Its very easy to park in the large free car park right outside the front door. Inside the staff helpfulness varies. The stock inside the store includes items to order as well as carpet and vinyl you can take away immediately, as well as end of roll reminants you can buy and take away at greatly reduced prices (though often odd sizes but worth checking for a bargain). Pricing is as expected with this type of shop, being both low budget and highly expensive.

Underwoods is an 'old fashioned' hardware store which is brimming full of everything from simple…read moretacks to outdoor heaters with covers. The sheer range of items is slightly mind boggling at first but the friendly and chatty staff are more than happy to help you find the item, give advice and give you great ideas. The outside of the shop is a carnival of household items which include, bins, brushes, flower pot men, hedgehog shoe cleaners, plants, heaters, forks, green houses, tools the list goes on The inside is stacked high with products and you are sure to leave with more that you came in for Underwoods has been there for many, many years and I hope it stays there for many years still as it a welcome change to Homebase and B&Q. If a DIY shop for you has always been the huge warehouses then you will find this a breath of fresh air.

A traditional and independant hardware and homeware shop. YOu can get knowledgable advice on all…read moremanner of DIY queries and can buy just a single nail or screw (ratehr than a whole packet). There is a garden centre as well as various home items including dustbins and napkins.

Big shout-out to Phil for helping us replace missing parts from a product bought in store. Been…read moreusing this store for a long time and the staff are always polite and helpful.

The Ransomes Europark B&Q is a large, purpose built warehouse. Getting there is easy and it'd be…read morevery hard to miss as you see the huge sign on the approach. The parking's very good and it's unusual not to be able to set down right outside (barring huge discount bank holidays). The first thing you'll notice is the screeching mock eagle on the roof - it's supposed to frighten off seagulls (they mock it). Then you'll need a pound coin or token to get a trolley. Inside is big, airy, bright and complete with café. They also have some of the most attentive staff I've met in a DIY store. The only criticism is that they can be a bit short-handed in the week. There's a fairly good selection of plants (both in and outdoor) and everything a home DIY enthusiast or a professional could need. If you are a pro, there's a specific area for you to go to so you're in and out in a flash. All in all, it's a good one with minimal hassle and no difficulty leaving the carpark once done - which can be an issue in a lot of badly placed megastores.

A real rabbit warren of a place! This is diy heaven, with every basic tool, plus all sorts of…read morespecialist items such as metal work, wood lathes etc. They have experienced staff with good knowledge and lots of time to spare for you. They also have a garden centre and kitchen department too.

Fantastic hardware store which is much cheaper than a lot of the larger DIY chains for most items…read more Has a massive tools section and a fantastic cook shop too. Staff are very helpful.

This Evolution in Ipswich town centre has been here for a long time. I used to go to it to buy my…read moremum blue glass items for christmas and birthdays and this was one of the only places to get them at a reasonable price. Now after all these years my kids go here to buy me presents for bithdays and christmas shows how times have changed but some things just stay the same. Obviously the items for sale have moved on with the times, they just sell quirky pieces that are not the same as everywhere else. They are a much more personal present something a little different. The staff are friendly and helpfull and will wrap items if you need them done too. There are a couple of steps in the shop but if you have a buggy they jump to help before you could even think of asking. A great place to buy that extra speacial gift.

Lots of lovely gifts ranging from the pocket money price to slightly more expensive items. Various…read morehousehold and dispaly items, storage, jewellery, cushions throws stocking fillers etc. COurteous service, light and airy shop - very good prices, a good place for some different ideas. MAny budhist items too.