You know how when you go to a department store and it's heaving with people (some of obviously…read moreill-er repute than others - get back in your box, peasant, and stop shopping in my Debenhams!), and everything's disorganised, and clothes have fallen to the ground, and the fluorescent lighting makes you look peaky, and the mirrors in the fitting rooms make you look fat, and - now that you mention it - why it is so fucking hot in this tiny cubicle and why does it smell like feet(?!), you have to remind yourself why you thought it was a good idea to shop in a department store in the first place? Well, Williams & Griffin is the exact opposite of that. It is pure class, people. With roots back to the 19th century (historical!) and awards like 'Best Independent Department Store of the Year' under its belt, Williams & Griffin is a cut above the rest. With attentive staff, spacious sales floors and well-selected merchandise (generally brands in the upper echelons of retail), it's always a pleasure to shop in. Definitely one of the premier shopping outlets in the area. If you're ever out in Colchester, it's certainly worth a mooch.

I seriously have to question what is the big deal with 'Williams & Griffin'???…read moreThe only reason you are forced into entering the building, is because on the surface, this great big department store (now owned by fenwicks chain) and due for expansion to almost double the size, seems to be the best that Colchester has to offer. And don't even get me started on the cost of the 'William & Griffin' car park........ £7.50 for three hours parking. EXTORTIONATE!! The women's 'Fashion' department if you can call it that, is dire. Same old stuff that you find up and down the country in every department store. And rails that are soooo crammed with stuff, which gives you no reason to even bother looking! It's NOT fashion, just boring, commercial, mass produced blandness. If you can be bothered, why not venture into the heart of the town centre, where small businesses are offering you something different and unique. Some people need educating into realising that the best stuff is in independent shops NOT boring department stores! On the plus side they always put alot of effort into their Xmas display window. My advise to anyone reading this, try venturing down lanes such as 'Lion walk', 'Trinity Street' or 'Sir Issacs Walk'. You will find hidden treasures. Small shops full of wonderful things and lovely customer service............ Come on everyone, support your independents!!!!

Debenhams Colchester store is set out across three floors, with clothing, homewares, gifts and…read morecosmetics. For clothing, there is always a broad choice for men, women and children, although some lines are rather expected. Although this is to be expected of designer brands, some of Debenhams' 'own-brand' clothing (e.g. Red Herring and St George by Duffer) are sometimes extortionately priced. However, staff are nearly always helpful and, if you are so inclined, you can get advice of cosmetics in that department and make use of the free Personal Shopper service. Therefore, I am giving Debenhams Colchester four stars out of a possible five.

This store is set on 3 floors and seems to stock everything the well dressed home and person needs…read morewether it's new undies of new curtains! Loads of different designers offering something for everyone. There's no parking but they do have underground access if you need to collect something heavy.

Popped in to buy a jacket in the sales, came out with two - both gorgeous!…read more Basically, if you have a formal social coming up and you're looking for co-ordinates, this is the place. Its all colour grouped like Monsoon, so you dont have to look round the entire shop. Full prices are not cheap, but if you're looking for classics and they have a really good 'petite' range. Have diarised the sale for next Spring. Will need to sharpen my elbows though as I understand it sells out pronto!

This is the most old fashioned department store in Chelmsford it is just a bit away from the very…read morecentre of town towards Moulsham Street. It is a bit of a maze inside with ladies clothes down stairs with concessions mainly catering for the more mature lady. The cook shop is now upstairs on the first floor this is great with hard to find cooking and baking stuff. Also on the first floor is the cafe/restaurant this is very nice and well spaced out the choices of food and drink could be a bit more varied but it usually all tastes nice. They also sell carpet, flooring, curtains and furniture.

This place is absolutely massive. Sells clothing by makes such as FCUK, Elle, etc. It also has a…read morelarge range of Homeware like plates, cutlery and that sort of thing, a large range of fragrances and perfumes, bed linen, toys, and lingerie. It is a very spacious store with the main walkways being very wide and large enough for trolleys passing as one entrance to the store is straight from the Sainsburys next door. There is a restaurant upstairs which has a good selection of snacks at a fair price, and also a small beauty parlour next to it.

Choices choices choices. Lovely choice in clothes, make up and bags. Oooo I love my bags…read moreLove the Yankee candles to.

Eldridges is like stepping back in time, they have everything you could want for the home linens…read moremarket, curtains, bedding, lingerie, tea towel, net curtains and haberdashery by the yard. They always have good offers outside in their baskets and stock a range of hythe specific souveniers. The staff are LOVELY they take their jobs seriously, are very knowledgeable and have a traditional approach to service which is sadly lacking in many more modern stores, attentive yet not overbearing. The quality of their items is very high, if a little traditional, but if you are looking for dependability and durable items this is the place. Always seem to have what I am looking for, sometimes a little pricer but worth it for the service.

I have never left this shop without what I went in for!!…read moreThey have everything you could need and plenty more. The staff are very knowledgeable and more than willing to help you out! The slightly higher prices are nothing when you take into the consideration the information they pass on!!!

This is a large Department store over three floors, They…read morehave a wide variety of womens mens and childrens clothes. They also have a wide variety of makeup and lingerie.