Claire's Accessories is fantastic for that little piece of costume jewellery you really need to…read morecomplete an outfit. I do think that is has become more expensive but it is still affordable. This shop is quite small and once again I would never attempt to go in here if I had the buggy with me. The range in this shop is fantastic, from headbands to earrings, and necklaces to shoes. They even do a range now which is specifically for younger children and teens but still very trendy. I have never had a problem with the earrings and find that they keep their colour really well even if they have only cost a couple of pounds. They do ear piercing here and although I have never used this service I have heard good reports from friends who have. They also often have some good bargains a lot of the time and it is worth a look on the off chance there is something worth having.

Heaven for tweens and teens alike. i found a great headband with rabbit ears for a school play…read morecostume here. Little girls into accessories will always find something they like here. Cheap prices, but reasonable quality.

I always shop here for handbags and gifts for the women I know. You can often find really nice…read morepieces of jewellery that look a different and stunning. The handbags are fantastic quality for the price which isn't that much. I just paid £20 for a huge leather handbag. The staff stay out of your way while you are browsing so it isn't like you are being pressured into shopping. A lovely shop!

Monsoon for clothes, Accessorize for great jewellery. Worth a visit at sales times. The stuff for…read morelittle girls is very appealing, and better than some of the cheap pink stuff around.

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~!

This shop is an independent shoe shop located right next to the bus station. It is full of little…read morebargains and I always go here first if I want some new everday shoes as it is great. I recently got a pair of gorgeous boots from here for £5 which was fantastic and they are really comfortable and good quality. They also sell mens workwear boots with steel toecaps and at a much cheaper price than the specialist shops although just by looking at the shop you wouldn't think this as it just comes across as a ladies shoe shop. They also sell slippers for a couple of pounds which is great for me as I go through pairs so quickly and am often replacing them. The childrens shoe range is quite limited but still worth a look for a pair of cheap playing out trainers. The staff are really friendly although they do tend to leave you alone to look and if you want a certain size you have to go and ask for it.

Always worth a visit at sale time. I've picked up nice skirts, trousers and jumpers which are…read moreclassic and good for work.

I like to shop here for my mum and aunties as they stock a lot of ladies clothing that they like…read moreand the prices are reasonable too. There always seems to be some kind of sale or special offer on but the reductions seem genuine enough. There is also a Men's department that sells jumpers scarves and gift ideas. You can buy DVDs and brooches and pens that are ideal as stocking fillers and there is something for everyone in their nightwear range. This shop is trying to appeal to the younger age range too and I know Carol Smillie has been modelling for them recently and you can buy some really nice tops and skirts that are not what you might stereotypically expect (ie not tartan!). There is a nice selection of biscuits, preserves, cakes, toiletries and other gift ideas and last Christmas they made up hampers with anything you wanted from the shop. This is a great gift idea and the presentation was beautiful. Well worth a visit just for the banter with the staff!

I adore next not only for myself but also for their childrenswear. The clothes are gorgeous and…read morealthough people think it's expensive I don't think it is anymore. The quality of the clothes is fantastic and they wash brilliantly which is great with a messy toddler. The shoes are gorgeous and arre also incredibly well priced. The staff are lovely aswell.

Next is my favorite shop for buying my childrens clothes i find it excellent value for money and…read morethey have really trendy stuff ! i also buy for myself quite a lot as they do a petite range which is great for me as im only just 5ft 1 ! all the cothes are very fashionable. i tend to spend more in next when they have their famous sales as they really are some good bargains to be had.

This shop's slogan is 'Big brands at factory prices'. Not sure if there are big brands here, but…read moreyou can certainly pick up a bargain. Good for children's trainers, slippers and boots. You can usually find decent clothes and it's also good for cosmetics, and household goods.

I really do love Matalan for their really great prices. Although I do feel that you have to be…read morecareful with what you buy as I have had a few cheap vest shops completely reshape themselves in the wash. Apart from that I have never had a problem with any other item from here. They stock childrens, mens and womens clothes including shoes all at really low prices, and if there is a sale on then it is even better. The lingerie is a particular fave of mine as there is always an offer on the knickers where you get three pairs for a fiver. You do need a Matalan card to make a purchase but you can sign up for free in the store and they often have member only offers aswell such as two tops for £6 which was on recently. I adore the Homeware section as they stock everything from gorgeous prints to cheap tea towels and most of my kitchen accessories are from here. They are always right on trend with their colours and patterns. The bedding is really good and I am still using a duvet set which I bought from here five years ago and it looks as good as new. There can quite often be quite a queue but it does move quickly and the staff are always happy to help. If you can't find a certain size they will go and have a look in the back for you and more often than not do come back with it.

Matalan has a huge range of clothing, so you can usually find something. The clothes are cheap, but…read morecan fall to bits quite quickly, so for some things it's worth paying a bit more to have it last longer. The queues here can be massive. You need to have a Matalan card to shop here. Matalan does have a classy range of homeware and interior furnishings. Their duvets and pillows are very good value. Be careful when you park not to leave your car after going to Matalan and nip into town. I got fined for doing that; they've changed the rules recently. Silly really, I've never seen that car park anywhere near full.