This place is a treasure trove for anyone interested in knitting, quilting, scrapbooking, beading,…read moreembroidery, cross stitch etc. etc. On 2 floors, the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Cheaper to buy here than in big chains. I've bought beads for my daughter's party here, and cake decorations.

This shop is situated quite a way out of the town centre and is directly opposite the Castle. I…read morefind it amazing that this shop is still going as there are bigger cheaper shops in the town centre, but I think this is because everyone trusts Chivers as it has been here for years. I remember going when I was little when it was the place to go for trainers and sports equipment. They stock a really good range of snoooker cues and hockey sticks. Also they have a good amount of different brands of trainers although they are slightly on the more expensive side. Towards the back of the store they have a lot of sports clothing although it is more the die hard sportsperson and I never find anything that I like.

Helpful and knowledgeable staff. It's refreshing to find an independent shop still going - and also…read morewithout glaring fluorescent lights and loud music.

This store has a wide variety of products, split over two floors, and stocks most magazines, as…read morewell as stationary, CDs and DVDs, and now also has the main post office in Carlisle situated on the first floor. The staff are reasonably helpful, some more than others. It used to be quite easy to navigate around the store, but since the introduction of the post office, I have found the store to be rather disjointed and cluttered, and as a result don't shop in here as much as I did.

Smith's is on the up as a retailer. They now have a huge range of stationery. Good stock of…read moremagazines. Books on the 2nd floor often have special offers. However, the stairs will put off some, especially as it's where Carlisle's main Post Office is now. Get yourself a WH Smith clubcard, as they often have good special offers.

This store has everything you're ever likely to need to furnish your person or your home…read more Electronics, furniture, clothing, make-up, shoes, jewelery - you name it, they've got it. Except children's clothes. It's not the cheapest, but designer brands can be found here.

Classy range of home furnishings, clothes, cosmetics etc., but really let down by lack of signage…read more I spent ages wandering around looking for the stairs

The first Fair Trade shop to open in Carlisle. Well worth supporting. Tucked away in a lane next to…read moreHSBC. You can find jewellery, hand made cards, wrapping paper, foodstuffs (more range than Fair Trade goods you find in supermarkets). Has a large range of Fair Trade clothing also.

Adorable store. What a delightful surprise. Though a bit challenging to find, once you get there,…read moreyou will not be disappointed. They have unusual merchandise and because everything is FairTrade, there is no guilt. Great GIFTS~!

I love Poundland for random good deals and and again. They sell a lot of junk but you can certainly…read morefind a bargain there as well. They often have decent pet toys at £1 that make my cats quite happy!

I absolutely love Poundland and don't know how we ever survived without it. I buy everything here…read morefrom cooking utensils to beauty products. Often they have great bargains on make-up and baby food. I like thier range of food as it is often cheaper than other shops. It can get very busy making it hard to walk round the shop particularly with a buggy. Great for a bargain

Just another chain discount bookshop. However, this is good for buying presents, as you get more…read morefor your money. They also sell children's knick-knacks, and a basic selection of artists' materials upstairs. Around Christmas time lots of seasonal stuff is in, such as crackers and wrapping paper.

What I like about this shop is that it's compact, no wandering around for ages looking for stuff…read more It is best for stationery, obviously, and has plenty of pens, pencils, craft materials for kids. A small selection of children's books is at the back. I've used this shop in the past to stock up on little gifts, stocking fillers etc.