I really feel as though I shouldn't like this shop, but I do. I really, really do. Darn it…read more Home Bargains has shunted its way into the spaces left behind by the like of Hyper Value and Woolworths, and is very much like a cross between the two of them.And yet what it has to sell is surprisingly practical, they have good brands and cheap prices. And while they probably won't ever have everything that you're looking for, what they do have it worth the venture in to find it. What separates this from some of the other stores of similar ilk is the alcoholic section. or students or BBQs, or Christmas time and genearl celebrations, this is a wonderful place to pick up an interesting and cheap array of alcohol and snacks. In short, we don't want to love it, but we do.

I love this store it is an average size and has lots of bargains for you and the family. Outside…read morethere is a free car park which is a decent size so plenty of room to park. The shop stocks everything you need for yourself and your home. I find the toiletries there are so cheap compared to other places and there is a good variety. There is also a good choice of toys for your children at the moment they have some great outdoor toys ready for the summer. I can spend hours looking around as there lots of great offers on including cheap bedding and accessories for your home.I find the prices in there are very cheap. The store is well laid out and it is easy to find what you're looking for and if you can't find something the staff are happy to help you. Sometimes in the weekend it can get quite busy so you have to queue but it's like that in most places.

I'm not really a big fan of peacocks stores in general but having one on my door step does have its…read moreadvantages. There's quite a big shoe selection so if some cheap and easy flats are what you're looking for then it's perfect. It also has quite a big selection of womenswear but when I went looking for Pearl Lowe's collection my questions were met with blank faces and heavy silences. Probably best to try one of the bigger stores for something like that. There's a small section of jewelry which is disappointing because I do love disposable trashy faux bling.

Argos is open until 8 and for that reason alone, I give it 4*. Right on the waterfront in a tiny…read morelittle development that contains a KFC, Morrisons and a Focus DIY shop this little argos extra is really well placed for complete convenience. What I love most about it is the lack of fussing around that you find in the Cardiff Bay branches. Instead you can get in and out with minimal grumbling, which in my experience is practically unheard of for Argos.

Less crowded than Cardiff stores.Friendly helpful staff.read more

In a town like Barry a shop like Wilkinson's is a godsend because I'm 90% sure it sells absolutely…read moreeverything. Need an envelope? Yeah Wilkinson's has it. Run out of Jean Paul Gaultier Classique? Oh they sell it at less than £30 a bottle. Need emergency gardening gloves? Wilki... oh you get the point. Up until last year I was a Wilkinson's virgin, I lived a life of blissful ignorance, oblivious to the bargains that I was letting pass me by. When I moved last year my mum suggested I take a wander down to the high street and familiarize myself with my surroundings. That's where I stumbled into Wilkinson's and had a small panic attack (the good kind) when I saw gradual fake tan on a two for one offer. I was hooked, I've always been partial to a bargain, but finding absolutely everything a human could possibly want/need/think they need (delete as appropriate) under one roof has revolutionized the way I buy face wipes.

This is a great Wilkinsons store. They sell all kinds of household and garden items including…read morecleaning materials, furnishings, plants and garden furniture. The variety within each range may be limited, but the prices are always very keen. It is in the centre of Barry so is easy to get to by bus. There is free long term parking within a few hundred yards and short term on-street parking available right outside, so is ideal for collecting heavy items.

Ah good old pound shops eh? Sorry, what's this? A 99p store? That's a whole penny cheaper than a…read morepound!? When I saw this little beauty in Barry I immediately went into meltdown. I really love having parties that are defined from rubbish you buy in pound shops (I once had a pirate themed weekend, I'm just that cool) and I love buying really terrible horror films that seemingly have a 99p budget. This doesn't have that faintly depressing air that you usually get with pound, sorry, 99p shops. This is all together more upbeat. The focus is mostly on health and beauty and gardening, which suits me fine. I personally picked up a load of artist canvases in a variety of sizes for just 99... oh you get the picture...

This shiny bright pharmacy stands out on a high street that seems to be utterly choc a bloc with…read morethem Thank goodness then, that they have a jewel in their crown. Lots of lovely fragrances, though more expensive than wilikinson's down the road, there is a better and bigger selection. It's also useful to note that they offer diabetes and blood pressure testing here, as well as a stop smoking service.

Lloyds Pharmacies used to be really cheap, but now they are firmly established they seem to have…read morehiked the price somewhat! This is true of all of their stores, but some are seemingly worse than others! The one in Cowbridge is the worst in my experience. Cowbridge is reputed to be the most affluent town in South Wales, this branch of Lloyds Pharmacy has tailored its merchandise to the perceived demographic. It is a really small concession and predominantly sells designer perfumes and top end cosmetics, whilst obviously also providing a drug dispensing service. The Lloyds in Barry is a lot more down to earth, but still carries a large selection of expensive perfume. It is much larger and carries a much larger range of products. It remains more expensive than other outlets that offer the same products just a little further down the main shopping drag, and so I tend to rarely use this outlet.

She Wears It Well is a small boutique located on Barry High Street that offers a range of women's…read moreclothing, shoes and accessories for a more mature generation of women. Although it's not my taste, the clothing appears to be well-made and reasonably priced. However, handbags appear to be the main draw here, with a range of styles and colours to suit a selection of tastes. She Wears It Well appears to have most of their autumn/winter items on display now, which include scarves, tights, hats and faux fur boots. Another reminder that summer is sadly over. Weirdly, She Wears It Well carries a range of Monsoon toiletries, which may prove helpful for devotees who can't make it to the Big Smoke. The shop assistant was incredibly cheerful, despite the disgusting Welsh weather that we come to expect in October. As much as I hate the seasons here sometimes, it does prove to be a fantastic conversation starting point, so for that I am grateful.