My sister and I went into The Paper Shop in search of an ice lolly, and came out with two…read morenewspapers, two magazines and a packet of Werther's Originals Chocolate Caramels. Isn't it always the way? My sister had decided she wanted an ice cream (it was sticky, very warm, headache-inducing weather, and she was slightly below par bless her), so spotting the ice cream sign on The Paper Shop's window, I decided it may just be a good call to pop in and have a look (not sure what gave me that idea...). Once we were in, I got incredibly distracted by the newspaper section, and spent a good few minutes examining the plethora of papers. Meanwhile, my sticky sis was attempting to climb into the drinks fridge in order to cool herself down. Sometimes I pretend we aren't related... Refocusing on the job in hand, I pointed her in the direction of the ice-cream counter, but was met with a reluctant smile, and a "well, I kinda wanted an ice lolly more than an ice-cream" verbal explanation. Indecisive should be her middle name... I then decided to examine the magazine section, which was pretty vast I must say, and pick up a few for the journey home. Noting that The Paper Shop was much more expansive than I had first realised, I spotted a huge card section too. However, today was not a greeting card day, so my attention was once again diverted back to the magazines. Feeling somewhat satisfied with my reading load for the next while (and as an English graduate, I am utterly ashamed with myself, and hope the newspapers justify me in some way), I went to the till, only to be distracted for the third (or fourth? Eh, who knows) time that day by the Werther's Originals Chocolate Caramels that I haven't found anywhere for months. Ooooh excitement. Plus they were down to £1.49. Yes, this had indeed been a productive trip. No ice lollies, but Morelli's down the street had the curious ability to persuade my sister that she did actually want ice cream. Oooh man...

If you're in a rush, heading to get your train and then realise....damn I need a newspaper, soft…read moredrink, sweets or other snacky things then this is your place. I've been using Great Victoria Street station for many a day and I always need to stop by this little newsagent for a coke and the paper. Rail News not only has a clever pun but a solid range of magazines and local/national newspapers. I used to call in and buy a can of proper man coke and Kerrang magazine back in my younger days (I wouldn't read it now if I was paid). These days it's the Time, The Irish News and a bottle of diet coke (See, see how I've grown up) Prices are typical of shops in the area, they are quick and have what you need. They also stock a range of sandwiches if you're in need of a bite and nowhere else is open.

Sweetie Miller may be a bookshop / newsagents (that bears an uncanny resemblance to another local…read morebookshop / newsagents), but as far as I'm concerned, it's all about the sweets and chocolate...baby. I think it's physically impossible to come out of this shop empty handed. It's certainly that way for me. Having gone in with the notion to buy a box of chocolates for a friend, I came out with a box of chocolates, three bags of Werther's Original Chocolates (my Cheepers' review explains all) and five Curly Wurly's. [Guess who Mr Dentist is going to absolutely love next month?] I couldn't resist. The Werther's Originals were only 99p, and the Curly Wurly's were unbeatable value at not one, not two, or even three, or indeed four...but FIVE for 89p. Yes, this excited me greatly. And it should excite you too. As well as the bargainous sweetie section, Sweetie Miller also stocks stationery, books, cards, magazines and all that sort of jazz. And they're all cheap as can be (except the magazines...they're just average price, but hey, we can't have it all, eh?). Now, where did my Curly Wurly go? (Apologies in advance Mr Dentist...)

This shop is in Bow Street Mall and always seems busy. I guess it can be best described as a…read morenewsagent. They carry a large variety of sweets, mainly boxes of chocolates and packs of chocolate bars and maybe just a bit cheaper in price than other shops in town. So especially good to pop into at Christmas time. The other section of the shop that interests me most is the book section. They have an alright range of books, and you can certainly find something interesting at a very good price. The only downside I can think of is can be quite awkward to move around the sweet displays near the front the of the shop when there are a lot of people about.

I have never left Stewart Millers empty handed. I'm not kiddin', honestly. It's like some kind of…read moremagnetic force which leaves me completely helpless and powerless, removing all inhibitions and barriers which prevent me from purchasing extreme numbers of goods from this fave store of mine. Or maybe that's just me shopping normally... Anyhow, Stewart Miller is a bargainous store which is primarily a newsagent and confectioners, but is also a bookshop, cardshop and toyshop. I've found books for peanuts, excellent sweetie deals, and, when I was younger, it was my first stop for TY Beanie Babies (remember those?! I still have an absolute ton of them stashed away in my wardrobe...couldn't bear [excuse the pun] to part with them quite yet). The Holywood store is undoubtedly my favourite. The toy section is huge, and they are genuinely well-priced (not always super cheap), top-quality playthings. The card section is extremely well-stocked, with a huge variety to choose from, and at reasonable prices. The book section is my favourite - I've gotten presents for my mum and dad for next to nothing, and even picked up a football book for £1.99 from £12.99 today, and I've found travel books for a fiver. Oooh, its a good 'un.

I'm lovin it. This gem on the Holywood main street has some of my favourite everyday treats -…read moreglossy mags, cold drinks and chick lit style books at very good prices. It also keeps the kids very happy as it has the best selection of football trading cards I've ever come across. My favourite thing about Stewart Millar is the magazine and comic selection. One whole wall of the front section is given over to mags and comics which means that I can happily browse Marie Claire and 25 Beautiful Homes and the kids can look at the Beano (yes it still exists) and Shoot! before making our choices. And there are none of those shouty 'This is not a library' signs either. At the back of the shop are the toys - good selection of lego- and books. The books are worth a particular mention as the prices are great. Some of the not quite latest releases can be snaffled at Tesco-esque prices which certainly floats my boat. There's a good selection of kids books too, especially quite unusual activity and pop up books which are always good for Christmas presents. All I need to do now is stop accidentally calling it Stuart Little which makes the kids fall about laughing every time as Stuart Little is of course a talking mouse. It's happened, I've become an Embarrassing Mum.

The Candy Box is Millisle's lifeline, because it is one of those wee shops that are totally taken…read morefor granted until we run out of something at the last minute. It is an aladdins cave inside , no matter what it is that you need this we shop will have it from sweeties to dog food and washing powder to gift bags , it really has an amazing stock of everything. What is also very commendable is that the prices are not over the top they match that of the high street stores. So this may not be the biggest store in town but it does have everything thar is needed including very pleasant staff who are more than helpful. They also have everyone's favourite for summer the good old ice cream cone with trimmings!

Sometimes I say to my dog, "I'm going to take you to The Candy Box, would you like a walk?"…read more Of course I am referring to a Newsagents, Tobacconist and sweet shop located on Millisle Main street. This wee shop is a jack of all trades, Milk is 99p for 2 litres and you would be hard pushed to beat or meet that price anywhere. It also doubles as ice cream seller, sometimes the dog and I sneak a cheeky Ice cream on our way home from getting the Sunday papers. This leaves both of us with a bit of a brain freeze but the ice cream is so good it would be hard not to rush it. The Candy Box is a favourite with people visiting the seaside, Millisle must be the only seaside town on the Ards peninsula without a dedicated Ice cream parlour, so The Candy Shop makes a bit of a killing with its cones. Whether it is a paper, a packet of cigarettes or North Downs famous Poor Bear ice cream you should pop into The Candy Box if you are passing. Also try the Fresh Dulce and yellow man, these are specialities of the region.

Harrison's Park...the first review of a place I've done today that doesn't give anything away with…read moreits name. I reckon it sounds like some sort of posh boutique, but it's actually a lovely modern newsagents. Haven't a notion why it is called so mind you. Having opened just a few months ago (meaning its details are incredibly difficult to find anywhere), Harrison's Park replaced The Square Yard (yep, that was indeed a tiling place [which seemed to have no business whatsoever]) and took over as the main corner shop in the village from the dingy newsagents across the road, which incidentally closed around the same time as Harrison's Park opened. It's a seriously good-looking newsagents - all clean lines and fresh paintwork, but its beauty also lies beneath the surface. Not only is it a paper and magazine selling shop, it's also a sweet shop (shelves filled with giant tubs), an ice-cream vendor and a bit of a corner shop (lots of lovely baked goods plus cheap milk - 2 litres for 99p). Perfect. Had Harrison's Park been in any other location, I think it would do superbly (not that it's doing badly, but probably not as well as it could). The location of such a newsagents is the issue here...it's right smack bang in the middle of an incredibly busy village (which already has limited enough shops), and the only place to really park is the little bay just off the road in front of it, which lies just after an equally busy set of traffic lights. However, apart from the location Harrison's Park is a super little place. I would love to name drop it in a conversation. Dear only knows where people would think you're going...

I have an inherently inquisitive nature, OK OK, I'm just down right nosy, so if anyone can tell me…read morewhy this lovely new corner shop is called Harrison's Park then please let me know. I've called it a corner shop even though it's not actually on a corner. What you'll find at Harrison's is a good old fashioned sweetie shop, newsagent and a little section of groceries. This is a particularly welcome addition to Dundonald Village as the previous newsagent was well overdue a complete make over. An added bonus is the ice cream counter - good quality ice cream in some fab flavours. Really yum but bad news for the diet. I totally agree with Lynne about the location as Harrison's is on a busy main road with only parking space for 2 or 3 cars in the little layby at the front. If parking was easier I would be a much more frequent visitor. But then I am a self confessed lazy *&%$.

Every single Friday after school. Without fail. For more years that I care to remember. My mum,…read moresister and I. "Did what?", I hear you cry. Visited The Wingrove of course. I mean, what else? It was almost a family tradition, deep rooted in the hearts and minds of my younger sibling and I. We automatically knew Friday meant sweetie day at The Wingrove. Ahh, good times. The Wingrove was one of those newsagents where everyone knew each other, and we were served by the same old wee woman every week. The old-fashioned layout of the confectionery was situated in tiers at the counter, and even though we went for nearly the same packet of sweets every week, many minutes were spent gazing in awe at the sheer variety of these candied goods, packed full of dear only knows what. (I can tell you, not much has changed...I'm probably even more indecisive now. Or maybe not). I honestly have no idea how my mum put up with two sugar saturated young girls, who were practically bouncing off the ceiling. Those 'E' numbers have a lot to answer for. On occasion, ice lollies were permitted, and maybe even a magazine if we were lucky. The Wingrove also supplied a small number of greetings cards (that kept my mum happy), and a few toys (I can't remember how many times we had to prise my sister away from the dolls). Oh, those were the days... The Wingrove has recently undergone a facelift, with a brand spanking new sleek black and white sign, as well as a furniture rearrangement (well, you know what I mean), which was incredibly strange to see when I popped in for the first time in I don't know how many years. I'm so chuffed to see The Wingrove still going strong, feeding and amusing lots of happy school children. Thank goodness for the lack of 'E' numbers these days mind you, that's all I can say...

There's nothing I can add to the previous review except that I cant believe it's closed down…read moretoday,I'm not sure why but I hope it reopens soon, it'll be missed in ballyhackamore.

Love books and love a bargain? Then Stacs is for you. And you can get a pastie supper in the…read morechippie next door when you're done. Fab. Stacs looks just how you would expect a secondhand book store to look - quite small and packed with shelves and shelves of every kind of book. To name a few genres (well I am writing about a bookshop so I thought I'd thow that word in), you can get children's books, military books, popular fiction (sounds better than chick lit), and reference and academic type books which I try not to look at. The owner is super friendly and really goes out of his way to help. When I decided to jump on the 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' bandwagon (I know, I'm such a follower) and he didn't have a copy, he offerred to take my number and ring me as soon as one came in. I love that kind of actual customer service which is so elusive these days. If you like a bargain and have a spare half an hour, give it a try.

Great variety of books all at a great price. Would highly recommend, only downside is you are not…read moregaranteed to find the book your looking for especially if its new.