Fantastic local newsagent..with so much more to offer! They…read morerun a superb veg box scheme, stock wonderful local sausage, bacon, bread and eggs plus all the convenient bits and pieces. The post office at the back rarely has a line and the staff are very helpful.

Good local newsagent with a selection of basics including stationary, magazines, sweets and some…read morefood. The best part of is is the post office in the back where there is never a long queue. Staff are always helpful, although sometimes the shop is a little understocked.

Matalan is renowned for clothes at perhaps the cheapest price in town. If you are after scrappy…read moreclothes for work or outdoor activities. My so has been kitted out in Matalan gear for numerous Scout camps over the past decade and has never complained or at least to my face! The queue to pay can get rather long at times, although parking is plentiful and easily accessed from the town centre. The homeware department is ideal for students or those on a tight budget, with crockery and bedding at bargain prices. In all, not the most fashionable of clothing but cheap.

If you are looking for something for work and you don't want to spend much money then this is the…read moreplace to go. Fashion that is just going to last a few weeks then it's great but not if you want something that you'll have for years. Wide range of stock that is constantly changing for all the family. Good car park which is close to other superstores

This is a lovely spacious store that is well organised and displays are regularly updated. The…read morestore is kept clean and tidy and is well lit and presented at all times (even during the sales!). Staff are very friendly and helpful and are always polite and chatty when serving customers. Perhaps best of all are facilities for mums and children, with a spacious toilet and baby changing/ feeding areas. Shopping with and for children at its best!

This store has a pay and display car park directly behind it so very easy for parking. The store is…read morequite large full of everything you may need for your baby. Although the prices are very expensive here. But great quality clothes and buggys etc. The staff are always lovely and helpful and very friendly. They love to take a peek at your newborn! A great store is you want to splash out on your children and treat them to good quality.

Fantastic model shop, I go there for the games workshop models. There isn't always a wide range,…read morebut they usually have something that will tempt me to part with my cash! Owner is always helpful and willing to give advice on all matters and often recommends products that aren't always the most expensive option! Good service.

Small model shop with a good range of model making kits ideal for small budgets. Along with remote…read morecontrol toys. This place is ideal for a present which is a little bit different to what you get in most high street stores.

Bargain clothing for the whole family and not a bad sized store situated next door to Argos in the…read moretown. Just off queen street.

Great, where would be without Peacocks. It' one of very few clothes shops in town where you can buy…read moreclothes for boys and men. Good pricing. Always have good level of stock, replenished regularly. Changing rooms rubbish though as there are only two that you often have to queue for without staff thee too, people just abandon the clothes they didn't like and leave them to be tripped over by other customers. Lovely size store, great location but difficult to get in or out on Sat as market stall just outside which is not their fault but access can be difficult. It is well worth a visit especially if you are in search of a bargain.

A very small but well-stocked bookshop with a cafe area. Admittedly, size prevents the store from…read morehaving a huge stock, but helpful staff will order anything in for you and call when it arrives. There is a childrens Browsers just opposite, also very well-stocked, with an attractive window display. Very good travel section. Plenty of papers provided for the cafe-dwellers.

Poundland is perhaps the most aptly named store in Colchester every item in store is a pound. Not…read moreonly does this save on time at the tills, you do not have to go scrabbling around for an elusive price tag as in so many other stores. As the store is part of a long chain of shops, big brands can be found alongside the usual bargain bin fare. At the time of writing, Belkin computer cables and Coca Cola are both available for purchase. Although the tills can often get rather busy, I can only recommend a visit to see for yourself. Therefore, I am giving Poundland Colchester four out of a possible five stars.

Does what it says on the tin - everything is £1. Thought it would be cheap and tacky but surprised…read morehow many bands there are avaliable. You can be generous and let the kids pick whatever they want without breaking the bank! Always something to buy.

Fantastic range of cards for all occasionsbirthdays, christmas, christenings etc.. They sell extra…read morebits like teddies, mugs, wrapping paper. A little more expensive than most card shops but the quality is worth it. Located in town with all the other stores.