I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Aberystwyth for the first time ever last summer and whilst…read morewandering around I spotted Andys Records there on Northgate Street. I found it very appealing from the outside as it has that classic record store look that you don't see so much these days, I was drawn inside to have a browse. I was surprised to find that there were some really cool records in there that I wouldn't expect to see if this store was located somewhere like Cardiff. And I was further surprised at their prices. Usually when I find a record that I've never seen anywhere else to buy before, the price reflects this and then I find myself battling my conscience as to whether I should spend that much money or not. At Andy's this was not the case. They price their records very fairly depending on their condition, rarity and age. Andy clearly knows the market and it very approachable if you want to talk about a potential purchase. To top it off, you don't even have to make the journey all the way up to north Wales as they have an online store. You can even make your own offer on items!

This was a great source for Welsh language books and music when I was in Aberystwyth in the 1980s…read more Now it specializes in trinkets with a Welsh theme. The selection of books is tiny, although the majority are Welsh-language children's books. On the positive side, the employees still seem to be young native Welsh speakers. There is a new "branch office" down the street, called "Pop y Pethe," which looks like it might be a used book annex. Unfortunately, it was shuttered when I was there.

This is one of the best opticians I've ever been to - the staff are polite, helpful and happy to…read moregive you the time of day even if you're just passing. I bought a pair of glasses here, and admittedly they were overpriced, as all high street opticians are, but they were good quality, quickly arrived and were conveniently adjusted once I realised they didn't fit. The best thing, though, was that my next pair of glasses, which I bought cheaper online, managed to become loose very quickly. I went into D&A and asked them if they could sort me out for a few quid - they tightened the frames and polished the glasses completely free of charge!

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/david+edwards/the+ebb+26+flow/8873855/ The…read moreWaterstones book signing tour continues this week. Swansea, Aberystwyth and Camarthen. Come and see David Edwards in store Fri 23rd March.

My favourite kiosk in Aberystwyth somehow. I liked the old owners but the new people who work here…read moreare friendly, too. The shop is painted in yellow now. So you should not miss it. I love just getting the Sunday Times EVERY Sunday. This contributes to my perfect Sunday morning. Fresh and very good coffee, a nicely scented candle, Radio 2 (Tradition - Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2) or Internet Radio and the ST or the Independent. Here, I buy Y Cymro, the Welsh weekly paper and also milk and sometimes a chocolate bar; and / or Elle and VOGUE.

This was my friendly local newsagent for my first two years Aber and I still make the effort to…read morecall in sometimes. While the 24 hour Spa is convenient there's a lovely 'old-fashioned' feel to a little corner shop like this. It also sells local postcards and photo magnets (which I've never seen anywhere else in the town, despite a long search one day!) Worth a visit.

I love shopping for furnishings in Laura Ashley and this shop was particularly well laid out and…read morehad things I hadn't seen before in other Laura Ashley stores. Always a nice shopping experience and the staff here were particularly helpful and didn't rush or bother you. Laura Ashley herself was Welsh and I think thats why the brand is close to peoples hearts in Wales. There also used to be a factory in Wales where I had some curtains made up which were perfect but I think thats gone now, shame! Definitly worth a look if you are furnishing out your home and want quality products.

A small W.H Smiths which I find too small. Very little room to move and not much on offer. they…read morehave a average priced stationary section and a average priced entertainment section. The only good thing about it is its large magazine seciton which has alot to offer. Most of the specialist magazines in aber can be only bought from smiths.

This is an ideal sized WH Smith to have in Aber, as it stocks all the essential stationary and it…read morehas a lot of dvds with some cds and dvds to boot. Everyone knows by now what to expect with stationary so I won't go into that but the dvd stock is exceptional. There is always a large amount of boxsets, both TV shows and film combinations that are cheap and popular. There is a full top 40 chart for dvds as well as cds and books, so this Smiths is a great place to start your shopping trip around Aber.