If, like me, you end up leaving buying essential holiday stuff until not long before you fly off,…read morethen having winter sports stores relatively close by always helps. Those who've been skiing before will know that it's an incredibly expensive activity at the best of times, so I'd advise not to buy new outfits and equipment until you're sure you a) love the snow/cold b) are ok with falling down a lot and c) will repeat this in future years. Beg and borrow from friends and family first if you can! If you're a keen winter holidayer and are ready to treat yourself to something like new ski trousers, or 'salopettes' to use their proper name, then you can't go wrong with S + R. It's located inside the entrance walkway to the Chill Factore, sharing the space with other stores such as Subvert (for snowboarders) and The North Face. They have two levels, with the upper one for ski equipment and the ground floor for clothing, jackets and accessories such as headgear, hats, gloves and goggles. Most of the better-known snowsports brands are in there so you know you're getting quality goods. They stock women's, men's and children's clothing. The staff were really helpful, dashing off to locate the keys for the fitting rooms and checking their stock inventory for a particular pair I was after. Great customer service. Tip: recommend shopping here during the off-season months if you can and not during winter like I had to do, as you might grab a bargain.

Lab sports is a pretty handy place if you are a sports hobbiest and recurring customer. They offer…read morean advantage card free that entitles you to year round discounts and 25% off every £250 you spend at the store. They are also the only unofficial store to carry Cardiff City's footballing merchandise, from Kits to training wear as far as I'm aware. And no Liverpool/Man Utd gear, great! They also do running gear, shoes, Rugby and other footballing goods from what I can remember. The store is brightly lit and you can actually navigate between the products unlike other sporting goods shops. It's not as cheap as discount sports stores but this is for someone who is serious about their sport.

JD Sports at The Trafford Centre isn't too bad, while it isn't as large as the Manchester Arndale…read morestore, they still have a satisfactory selection in-store, even though it can feel cramped at times with many items packed close to each other, and the checkout area seeming a little too small, especially for how busy this store can get. They had a very good selection of trainers, as expected through the JD Sports brand, while the sportswear was okay, they did have a lot of England merch, as expected due to the Euro 2020 tournament taking place. The staff seem pretty friendly but that's when you can find someone who works there, they do seem to be understaffed frequently, and there never tends to be too many employees on the shop-floor. 3*

decent prices and some great gearread more

I have been looking for a first class honest service for years. I took my sick 650 in there today…read more I give them a recommendation of 100%. I know where I will be taking my bike from now on.

Rohan should most definitely be your first stop if you are going on holiday, you know for those…read moreniggly bits. Eye mask, insect repellent, extra little suitcase or padlocks. It is especially good when you are going camping or to a festival. And I rarely go camping these days unless it is to a festival. What is really good is their Travel Clothes Line for just under £3 and their Travel Mirror for just under £5.m Mainly though this stuff, although I don't doubt its award winning capabilities against the elements, is simply too expensive for those of us who don't take journeying into the outdoors as the fun/ challenge/ end game. Rohan is for serious trekkers and campers. I'm sure you'll be astonished by what simple looking pieces of clothing will protect you from. Good Lord of the Rings name, though.