This was my first ever steamer trading store I visited. It is nestled in the beautiful Chester…read moreshopping area, the store itself is all kida weird, you walk through a narrow long front area to a lovely upstairs area full of amazing cookware. I think this is one of the better independent cookware stores with something for everyone. My biggest purchases are knifes when in here with a selection from all over the world to suit every chef or home cook you will never miss out. They are not the cheapest place to buy many of their stock items but they are reasonable and the staff will always find the right product for you. The staff are amazing, very knowlegable and always willing to help. It does get busy so you sometimes have to wait but it is worth it. If you are stuck for a great gift for someone or just want to treat yourself to a new kitchen gadget this is the place to visit.

I have not bought a huge number of Carpets in my life, but all the Carpets I have bought have been…read morefrom here It's a family business that has been around for as long as I can remember Also known locally as Tiger Tuft, it offers a large selection of high quality Carpets at discount prices. They also stock hundreds of end of roll carpets again at discounted prices. Sales staff are not at all pushy, do not try and up sell extras or there own fitters, if you ask them for a fitter they will suggest a freelance local fitter. If you take the offcuts back after fitting they will edge them free of charge to make mats. Recently they have expanded into other flooring laminates etc.. and furniture. I have never bought any of these items so cannot comment on quality.

What a pleasure to find a traditional, old, well established furniture company which I stumbled…read moreupon whilst searching for a particular branded item of furniture. Replies to emails and telephone calls were prompt, the service exemplary in every respect, and the prices were unbelievably good. The delivery service was free and the men were very courteous and everything went like clockwork. I purchased over the telephone, and how lovely to get an old-fashioned, hand written receipt in the post the next day with credit card docket attached. Would make this company my number one port of call for any furniture items I may require in the future. Absolutely brilliant!

Digital Promotions sells all items computer hardware related and is located at the rear of an…read moreindustrial estate in Heysham Road, Bootle. If you're a techno or a computer geek, you'll be interested to know that the branch sells everything from RAM, computer fans and motherboards to name but a few. Having visited earlier today, the guy who served me appeared co-operative and friendly taking the time to listen to all my needs. The only drawbacks I would mention, is the fact that it is located in a place where it is out of mainview and some items are slighlty pricier than your average PC World or Comet goods. Also, if you're not satisfied with an item or you just bought the wrong one, you're unable to refund the item which has been opened (understandable), whereas other stores might allow the refund. However, the branch does have a decent website where you can freely search for your items and order through delivery. This is a store which sells electronics dedicated to computing which your local high street stores won't offer (apart from Maplin) but it is generally cheaper than Maplin. All in all, this is a store which is handy to have out there and will offer advice if for instance you wish to build your own desktop computer.

There's no B&Q or Homebase in Colwyn Bay so unless you fancy a trip over to Llandudno then Stermat…read moreis your best bet for DIY supplies. This is a huge shop spread over two floors and sells pretty much anything you need, although you may need to spend some time searching to find it. Prices are pretty reasonable although parking can be a bit awkward as there's no car park and limited on street parking in the area.

The one star rating is just for the stock they sell. As for the staff and their rudeness and…read morehorrible attitude towards customers is absolutely disgusting. I can't find a website or customer complaints phone number. I was in there today only because b&q didn't have what I wanted and the little blonde member of staff was so horrible to me when I asked for help, another customer helped me in the end as he heard the way she spoke to me. Something needs to be done about the staff in there. I have worked in shops myself and if I spoke and treated customers like they do I would have been sacked.

I went here recently and I hadn't been before. It was really good! There was loads of unique…read moreclothing, all of which looked good quality. If you are looking for something different to wear or something a bit special this is a good destination. I didn't really look that closely at the vintage selection, but there was loads of it, I'm sure there are some great finds in there. The shop assistants are really helpful and the changing rooms are quite big. There's a huge mirror and plenty of space. There is a female part upstairs and a male bit downstairs. It was a really good find.

I am going to completely agree with Emma-Loiuse about this store which upon first discovery, I…read morenever even knew existed until I found out by accident. Branded Bargains is if you like, your large version of Home Bargains as it is very similar in layout and style so don't be fooled for seeing double; this place is like Home Bargains big brother and you will find allsorts of extra items to buy at low prices in addition to the usual Home Bargains products. I like this place so much, that I'm now a regular shopper at this store; its truly a hidden treasure chest (well, not exactly but you know what I mean)! It is out of the way from the main road and situated behind TJ Hughes so not often noticeable. If I had to use a map to find this place, I would say its definitely worth it.

Home Bargains, Bodycare or Savers and Branded Bargains, the big three, the holy trinity of stocking…read moreyour bathroom, below-kitchen-sink cupboard or generally making your shelves feel like they're full, primarily with Supernoodles. Just outside of the little Textile Town on the outskirts of Liverpool's centre is this marvellous store, located adjacently to its furniture offering and nearby to a heck of a lot of fabric and second-hand stuff. If you've never read my reviews before, well, shame on you! I mean, sorry, let me correct myself and say that you might not have HEARD of Home Bargains. Well, Liverpool, you are lucky. Not only do you have the behemoth of good value that is TJ Hughes on your doorstep, you also have the student and freelance writer (not that I'm talking about myself, noooo) Mecca of shopping wonderment that is Branded Bargains. They're Bargains. And they're Branded. Meaning they're cheap, and they're things you've heard of. Johnson & Johnson moisturisers, for instance. L'Oreal shampoos. Heinz beans. Pot Noodles. Jordan's cereals. Not stolen personally from the muesli arsenal of Katie 'Jordan' Price, but rather the ones that Bill Oddie's voice waxes lyrical about when he's narrating the adverts. You name it, at some point (somewhat rotationally, we have to remember, as with Home Bargains) they'll have it. It's a great place to pick up quirky gifts and offers plenty of homeware as well as edibles and toiletries, and if you're even slightly strapped for cash you'll save a bundle here. Put it on your list of shops to visit.

Rapid DIY is a department store with a difference - it's family run and owned which is nice to see…read morein the days of B&Q and Argos monopolising the market. It's located where John Lewis used to be, right underneath the Radio City tower, impossible to miss. They used to concentrate on selling DIY and hardware, however now they sell everything under one roof, from linen curtains to carpets to the traditional DIY. The store has been recently refurbished, and now has a cafe instore which even sells the traditional scouse! Everything is a reasonable price, considering it is an independent store and in my opinion is on track to compete with the big names in the business.

Rapid DIY is a brilliant all round department store serving several floors that once used to be the…read morehome of John Lewis. It has now expanded greatly and made the most of the former (and well recognised) George Henry Lee building. Rapid is now right in the heart of the city centre with many entrances you can't fail to walk past. The massive improvement is that the building is now fully refurbished to give customers an even better, brighter shopping experience all under one roof! It is still going to expand further in the not so distant future which is also great news. Additionally, there is a fantastic Signature Cafe in store serving hot and cold wholesome Liverpool favourites, including scouse (one of my favourites)! As a whole, Rapid is great value for money and has a huge range of quality goods. You won't be disappointed.