It's surprising that these shops still exist. Do we need a shop to buy a phone? Actually, I take it…read moreall back. We need a shop to complain about a phone. Where would we be if we didn't have that actual real physical place to take our phone when it all goes horribly wrong? Hanging on the end of a helpline for more or less our entire lives. So yay! Carphone warehouse with it's real young men who smile and can actually answer questions and send our phones back to the manufacturers. Also we need this shop to go into to admire phones we can't afford to own as we still have a 1989 Nokia.

This is the most helpful shop in Cardiff if you're after a new stereo, amp, or other audio and…read morevisual goods. They know their kit and their brands, and can offer really sound advice according to your budget. From basics such as speaker cabling through to full sound systems, TVs, DVD players and recorders, they offer good price deals and don't try to push the most expensive products down your throat. They stock a good range of well-known brands and don't talk down to you if you know little about electrical equipment. You might be able to match or even better their prices online, but you just won't be able to benefit from their expertise. If you see something you like, however, grab it there and then - as stock often flies out of the door not long after it arrives.

This is the kind of shop that will have a never-ending supply of teenage boys pressing their noses…read moreup against the glass. Once upon a time they were the be all and end all in tape recorders, then they moved on to CD players, and now it's all about Ipod docking stations. Basically, Richer Sounds always manages to have the most modern equipment on the general market, and they always keep with the times (unlike some of the other such stores in the area). Because this is quite a small little place on Cowbridge Road East (an area I remember from my childhood as having seen better times), there is a sense of community spirit; clearly they've managed to build up a nice little network of loyal clientele. But this shop is run by people who know their stuff and are clearly passionate about getting the right products on their shelves, and knowing what brands are best for them and their customers. A good place to consider in the epic hunt for your next electrical item.

I am a bit perplexed by the lackluster reviews here. I was in from the US looking for an adapter…read morefor my Mac last year when ours died during our trip. The staff was helpful in finding one at a reasonable price. I had inadvertently left my new camera (purchased elsewhere) on the counter when fishing for my wallet in my purse. I came back looking for it several hours later looking for it and one of the salespeople had it stored safely out of view. He returned it to me once was able to describe the make and model along with the most recent pictures stored on it. The staff was also extremely appreciative when we had dropped off a thank you gift to them. Overall, we had a very good experience with the store. They have a good selection at a reasonable price in a prime location. I don't understand the prior reviewers comments about it being "depressing and grey". It is reasonably well lit and everything is easy to find. Perhaps he still hasn't gotten over the closure of Dixon's. :(

Being the gadget connoisseur that I am, my travels have often involved visiting the new Currys in…read moreSt. Davids 2. It has been much needed as since the close down of Dixon about 3 years ago there hasn't be a dedicated electrical store in the centre since. I've bought a set of headphones (great), Some batteries (Useful) and nearly bought my Mac from there (luckily escape). Prices seem fine here and are not marked up from the general RRP of equipment. The shop seems very grey and depressing though and doesn't grab you to pull you in if your walking past. The products are all lined up in quite long rows and are easy to find and play with. Staff are very nice here but are oh so annoying. Within the 2 minutes I was in their last week looking for a router, I was asked by 3 separate members of the Currys family "If I'm ok". Not cool when your as miserable as me and a world record in customer bothering.

Good place to go if your looking for a cheap piece of electronics. Do not expect quality though or…read morefair prices. Some old TV's and phones sell here for ridiculous prices. Look hard though and there are some bargains, just dont expect the items to last longer than a few weeks/months.

I used to have a boyfriend who worked in Carphone warehouse and I haven't been able to go in there…read morefor a long while. Now there's a new store where I know I won't bump into him so I can shop again! The St Davids store is much less shabby than most phone shops. Everything is laid out really well and there seems to be an adequate number of staff around so that you never have to wait a long time to get your questions answered. What I don't like about Carphone Warehouse is that their online deals are often not the same as the instore ones so you don't get the same deals unless you really push for it and negotiate.

My brother, the computer geek scientist (love you bro!), has an affinity with this store. Not I…read more No, that's a downright lie. I love it too. Perhaps I'm a little bit more tech-savvy than your average female arts student (oh, I really need to get out of the habit of saying that I'm a student, seeing as I graduated two years ago). EDIT: Perhaps I'm a little bit more tech-savvy than your average yelper, but I find that conversations about computers with the staff in Maplins are extremely interesting, easy and informative. Unlike store such as Comet, PC World and Currys, these guys know what they're on about, aren't desperately trying to sell you warranties and software, and explain things in a very clear and professional manner. Having had a problem with my laptop I went in to ask for advice and they spent 30 minutes helping me with no cost, and in the end I didn't have to buy anything to sort out the problem, yet all the while I felt like a valued customer. Well done Maplins. Excellent service.

I want to sing songs about Maplins. I want to dance and shake it to the songs I sing about Maplins…read more I want to write sonnets about the place. Craft solid marble statues in its honour and then shoot any pigeon that dares lay a feather on its resplendent beauty. Maplins should be where every good tech nerd goes to die, wrapped in bandages made from wires cut to different, but equally necessary lengths. Their headstones should be made from melted and re-formed solder and their epitaphs should be nothing more than the voltage that finally took their lives and carried them to geek-Valhalla. And if Maplins is such a religious experience, this store is the Mecca. A massive store filled with all the seemingly arbitrary-but-actually-completely-necessary bits and bobs that keep the turbines spinning and keeps the voltage flowing. The staff are eternally helpful, to old pros and beginners alike and the prices are exceptionally reasonable given the monopoly Maplins seems to hold on this market.

Even when I was a teenager going through my alternative phase, I was aware that this place was kind…read moreof grotty, for want of a better word. They deal in gothic clothing, incense, jewellery, tarot and smoking paraphernalia. Many of their products I simply do not understand. To cut a long story short, it's the kind of place your grandmother shudders to think about you going into alone. The staff here are often rude, and give you quizzical looks should you not be wearing black which is blacker than the night. Or a band t-shirt; that might do. I've little more to say on this place really.

Back when I was in school their was a crowd who appeared to worship at the alter of both Blue…read moreBanana and Rebel Rebel. I on the other hand have never really been "got" this place, and share Tiffany and Tanya's sentiments that it is both dingy and grotty. As mentioned the staff are rather rude, and I get the impression that they're trying to come across as intimidating to those who aren't their mirror images (don't worry they fail). They sell a lot of "hippyish" items such as dream catchers and bongs. I will point out that they do have a large selection of alternative jewellery, which is quite hard to come by in Cardiff shops, if you're not in the know. So for that I'll give them 2 stars rather than 1.

A small, friendly gift shop specialising in guys and homewares, with an emphasis on items made in…read moreWales. A good place for unique and interesting presents. They also sell greetings cards and books.