I usually hate picking cards. There is simply too much choice in those massive card shops that you…read morefind in town centres. What you really want is not twenty-odd types of jam but about six, as that experiment goes. Because otherwise you will be flummoxed by too much choice. So, with a cardshop you want a well edited selection as you have in Archie's instead of every card ever printed in the North West. Also, come here for cheap wrapping paper. Wrapping presents beautifully is a lost art, I think. It is so insulting when someone just bangs your gift in a gift bag (sticker still on the bottom and everything). Here they have paper and bows and that thin ribbon stuff that you can wrap round to make people feel special. You have given up 5 minutes of your precious time to make their gift look nice. The gift may possibly be one of the silly things they sell here, I wouldn't necessarily buy any of these don't get me wrong. Maybe it is because a shop I used to work in was a gift shop that had outgrown these roots yet still wrapped every in tissue paper. Still.

If, like me, you are religious about your magazines then a good reliable newsagent is essential. I…read morebeam at the sight of a whole wall of magazines: Computer magazines, golf magazines, Gay and Lesbian magazines. Young girl's magazines with High School Musical stars grinning at you inanely. I don't buy any of these publications by the way but it is the promise they contain and their newness that impresses me. My specific weakness is of course, fashion glossies plus a music mag or film mag every now and again. Here, Percival's does itself proud. Most of the rest of the shop is divided between cards (I managed to get two Jewish New Year cards this week for £1.30 - beat that Tesco), gift bags and stationary. You may take these things for granted at the moment but trust me, you would be crying on someone's shoulder if Percival's suddenly disappeared. Despite recently changing hands, this remains a stalwart that would cause the levels of 'Post Office closure uproar around the country' if it were ever to alter.

I don't know what has happened to this place, it is still a brilliant card shop but its less good…read moreregarding stationery pens and stuff.It used to be great and have a shelf full of great range of pens but now its reduced in size and just sells boring Bic biros.There used to be Tiger pens, fountain pens, Stadtlers and tracing paper; now its just been really watered down.I still think its brilliant for cards and some magazines but it seems to sell more toys and kids novelties rather than stationery which I find quite sad.

Newspapers, magazines, sweets, chocolate, basics for around the house, you'll find it all here at…read moreRushtons! Oh and Carr's pasties, one must never forget Carr's pasties! Pretty much the only reason I visit now is to pick up a few pasties when I'm doing the lunch run and working from home (Dad, Brother & I all work in the same place 2/3 days a week). As a kid, I'd come in here close to every day and spend my hard earned pocket money - it either came from doing the dishes or scoring a goal at football - ok yes I was a little spoilt - but boy would it go quickly in here! Though that is probably a large part of why I tried so hard to score goals so perhaps my dad had something there.. anyway. Your usual newsagent options in here, not quite as large a selection of sweets than I previously remember but that seems to be the case everywhere these days. 50p charge for card payments under £8.

A fantastic local newsagents with lots of choice especially when it comes to magazines and in the…read morepast when there has been a magazine I wanted, and they didn't have it, they have ordered it in fot me - try and get that at Asda! They also stock loads of traditional sweets, penny chews etc, fresh milk, a good selection of greetings cards, general stationary, they have a lottery machine and a cash machine (however, you are charged for cash) Friendly staff and a convienient location. I think the newsagents might be called Village news now, it is next to Hampsons and Bargin Booze in Bromley Cross, opposite the Coop. Parking is very limited, use a side street if there is no parking outside.

They are never available and the prices are too high. You…read morecan get anything cheaper from their suppliers or even on line. The service is poor. If I could give no stars I would

A real traditional style sweet shop with wall to wall sweetie jars. As well as traditional and…read morerecent sweets and chocolates (including a large selection by Goody Good Food, and a good range of sugar-free sweets, they also sell local ice cream, soft drinks, and Slush Puppies. They also have some specialist items such as to-order cakes and boutique chocolates, and imported American goods. They occasionally sell unusual trivial items such as pictures, models, ornaments, and even neckties. These aren't worth bothering with though, as they are just filler. The store thrives best on its confectionery. The staff are also very friendly and helpful. They don't currently accept cards, but they have done previously. One of the owners says that they're looking into doing so again in the future.