Located in the retail park it is easy enough to find with free parking outside. The store is bright…read moreand as you go into it there are a few laptops, printers and various gadgets to go along with them. They also have a range of washing machines, tumble dryers and cookers/ovens. We were looking and it was not long until a member of staff came up to ask if we required assitance we advised we were looking and that was accepted which was a nice change, no hard sale! They also stock various electricals tv's toasters and compueter games for the various consoles at standard prices. They had a few items on sale but nothing much to bother with.

When I first heard about Home Bargains from my mother-in-law, I was fairly dubious about it. There…read moreare plenty of shops that offer cut-price goods and most of them are fairly poor, with the notable exception of Poundland. However, recently I visited this branch of Home Bargains and found it is a veritable treasure trove. The variety is astounding and the prices...they're not as cheap as Poundland, but then they generally stock higher quality items at amazingly low prices. I went in there with my wife expecting to look around, spend nothing and walk away. Instead I spend just short of £20 and came out with three carrier bags full of things from gifts for my mother's birthday to board games to mugs to stationery. I wouldn't say that there's something for everyone in the store, but there's definitely plenty for most people and the only danger from going in is to your wallet. The staff are...well, I've learned to lower my expectations of staff in retail outlets these days, but compared to some of the shops I've visited recently they're more than adequate and moderately helpful. The manager of the store, however, is brilliant, and more than happy to put things aside for you if they're not in stock when you visit so you can pick them up next time you're in. Not perfect, but for what it is it's as good as it gets.

A huge WH Smith right when you walk into Hamiltons shopping centre? Yes please…read more Easily the biggest selection of magazines you are likely to find, with a generally well stocked stationary section and loads of snacks that are a bit pricy. They also have a wealth of books including cookery books, gardening books and self help titles. The music and DVD section is a bit baldy and overpriced. Good old reliable WH Smith. Please don't do a Woolies on us..

Located within the Regent Shopping Centre this is great for books, dvds, cards, stationary, games…read moreand magazines. The range of dvds is fairly impressive with good discounts on many of them. The store is laid out fairly well though at times can seem a bit cluttered. Staff and friendly and helpful though at times there aren't enough on the tills. Overall the store is well lit and has some nice displays.

A magnet for hi-fi buffs, my recent experiences with Richer Sounds come mainly through looking for…read morean LCD TV, a type of product notoriously awkward to buy as there are so many deals going about both in shops and on the internet, that it can be difficult to know where to start. The staff here are very helpful and don't give you the hard-sell bollocks that makes going into some other electronics retailers a stressful and often awkward experience. Their special offers are very good and new ones come up all the time, so it's worth checking back regularly. It's not unusual to find a £1000 Sony TV here for little over half price. Unfortunately for poor old Mr Richer, I found a deal on Amazon that just edged out what was on offer here, but I'd still recommend the place, and would make it first stop on my next quest for high-end consumer electronics.

An excellent emporium of all things electronic, Richer's is a fantastic place to go on your hunt…read morefor the latest and greatest in tellies, stereos and all the bumf that goes with them. My last experience in here was in purchasing some speakers and an amp for my beleaguered old stereo system. It was great to be able to actually ask some question and not be met with a blank stare of utter confusion by the staff. The only real problem with this place is that its so popular with those in the know that it can become very busy at times, however its worth the hassle. Anyway, great service, fantastic offers and a welcome tonic to the sterile nature of some of the big electronic stores.

In the deep dark depths of the West End Market you will find a Bargain Books stall. Well, I say…read morestall, it's actually more of a shop - and it's actually bigger than the Bargain Books stand alone store on Byres Road. It does, however, have the same temporary feel. It's pretty bare inside, and is filled with the same red stack boxes full of books that you didn't know that you wanted. Yes, the books here are cheap. But are they really that much of a bargain when you don't actually want them? I'll let you decide that one for yourself. Overall, though, this place is a nice alternative to the rest of the stalls in the West End Market.

I'm always a fan of charity shops - bargain hunting with a good cause - this one ticks all the…read moreboxes. Even though charity shops never have consistent stock, what I have noticed from my years of trawling them is that they each seem to have a special niche. This one frequently houses good quality furniture at very affordable prices and an intersting vinyl collection. On the last occasion I jingled the bell on the front door of Maryhill's Maxie Richards, they were on the hunt for new furniture and it was looking a bit barren. That isn't usually the case, however, and if anything the notice in the window will further encourage a spring clean on the locals' part - tis the season for a tidy, after all. They did however have a pleasing assortment of 70s ornaments, and I purchased a few despite the cashier letting out a wee chuckle at my choice. It was all in good humour though, and I mean I did buy an owl ashtray for 50p! I don't even smoke but I've started storing charm bracelets in it - it's ugly but I like it. And I like this shop, which is always well organised and the staff are very accomodating. Get your spring clean sorted so I can buy yer old junk!

I got a few bits and bobs here for my new flat when I had the unfortunate luck of finding a flat I…read moreloved which came minus the furniture. Boo! Nevermind now, thanks to Maxies I have my very own pretty little glass brunch table which is fab. I also got a computer desk that was hardly used, looked brand new. Perfect. It is just the same with all charity type shops, you just keep going until you hit the jack pot.

It's places like this shop that lend weight to the claim that 'Hyndland Street is the new Byres…read moreRoad'. Fifteen years ago Byres Road was full of individual wee shops like this; today it's all coffee emporiums and charity outlets. I discovered Owen Bissett when doing my Christmas shopping in December. It's not the sort of place that would normally attract me, but I was looking for a nice present for my sister, and their window display looked inviting, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I made that decision. The place is a veritable Aladdin's Cave of jewellery, bijoux, craft wares, designer knick-knacks and generally precious things (preeeeccccciouuusssss!). I soon found a lovely bracelet and necklace combo that my sister was delighted with, and would probably have ended up spending a lot more than I wanted to had not common sense kicked in. There's such a wide range of really unusual things in here, it is ideal if you're looking for that 'special gift' or just want a thing of beauty for yourself. I think my favourite items were the glass bowl sculptures with the natural wood stands - these large thick glass works appear to have been melted and poured onto driftwood or tree-branch tripods, so that they have flowed into the perfect shape for the support. I have no idea what I would use one for (and I couldn't afford one anyway), they were just lovely pieces of craftsmanship. A definite thumbs-up for the most original and unusual shop in Hyndland Street, if not the entire West End. Check it out - you're sure to find something you like.

I love, love, love this shop!…read more There are far too many beautiful things in stock, be it little trinkets, unique and interesting jewellery or gorgeous ornaments (and everything else in between), meaning that you'll be tempted to clear your bank account buying everything in sight! There's something here for all budgets, which is a bonus. I bought a gorgeous necklace for myself a while back that people always comment on, and it only cost £10. Regardless of price, you can be assured that whatever you buy will always be top quality. Owen's window displays are always eye-catching and well thought out; I defy you to walk past and not at least stop for a good look! Displays are changed regularly, which is a great way to showcase the wide range of what's on offer. I highly recommend liking the shop on Facebook too, as it's an extension of the window displays. The service is always fantastic, and everyone there is so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They'll point out things you might like or will leave you to browse the stock without being over-bearing. It's customer service done correctly, and it's refreshing to behold. It's a great place to go and treat yourself or a loved one, be it Christmas, birthdays or just for the sake of it. It's a truly unique store, and it's wonderful to see such a vibrant independent business thrive. I really can't sing the praises of this shop enough!

Hmm, let's see. How shall I put this nicely? If you want to capitalise on a business that is…read morespiraling rapidly into liquidation then please, head this way. I'm not sure how long Music and Movies has been on Union Street. The whole place has a bit of a temporary feel to it, and it doesn't appear on Google Streetview, so I'm guessing that it's not long. Regardless, it won't be there for much longer either, as it's currently boasting a pretty stunning closing down sale. The deal is as follows - you can pick up any ten items (be they DVDs or CDs, mix and match as you please) for the very attractive price of £10. They have a pretty wide range on offer, too, even if it is a little eclectic. Mansfield Park and other BBC dramas languish beside Hollywood Rom Coms and stand up comedy. A little rummaging may be required but you're bound to find at least a couple that you fancy. And I haven't even mentioned the music! A large selection of albums released over the past few years grace the shelves in the music section, although you will find some older gems there too(Blondie, Eat to the Beat, anybody?). Cash only I'm afraid - but I advise that you take advantage of this deal while you still can!