I recently needed a power extension cable, and some strong tape. I was on Candleriggs, and when I…read morelooked down the street to see Trongate News, I just knew it was that kind of shop that's a total treasure-trove of miscellaneous stuff. I had a walk around and couldn't find what I was looking for, but the guy behind the counter was really helpful and fished out a 3m extension lead from under another display (it was in a packet!) and then grabbed a role of sturdy tape for me. All up it was just over £5 and my power/taping disaster was averted. Hurrah! So if there's something random you need, you should definitely visit here - who knows, they'll probably have it hidden away somewhere.

I was sent out for a diary, I know we're (as in work, not me by the way) a little late in getting…read moreone but didn't realise we needed one until it came up. It's a long story. Anyway I had been in here before and bought some nice birthday cards. It's a long narrow shop so the cards take up just about the whole left hand side wall. I thought this would be the best shop to get a diary as they sell more than just cards. They sell craft produce for card making and knitting etc so hobbies a-go-go. They sell a whole mixture of stuff from children's toys to jewellery so I thought I'd find a diary in amongst their wide variety of choice. I was drawn in by the baby gifts they had as my friend's just had a baby last week but I wasn't too sure about them although they did have some nice things, like your usual baby albums and frames. I was looking for something that little bit different. Well asides from my little distraction I was able to get a 2011 diary for the office. Yay, go me! I might pop in when I have more time to look at what present ideas they have.

This wee shop, missing a T, does exactly what it says. It's pretty wee, but it does the job. A…read morefairly large selection of cards lines the left-hand wall, wth most occasions covered. I just nipped in here to get a pen while on my way past. I have a special ability to misplace as many pens as you can give me, so this is a regular errand! Paper, pens, staplers, tape ans other desk essentials, as well as some small gifts like teddies, along with the wrapping paper and gift bags can all be found here. The stock is fairly basic, though, so it's not a one-stop gift shop or anything, but when you know what you need, it does the job.

*This little place is an Aladdins Cave full of wonderful things to explore that transport you like…read morea time machine to your chosen pieces. Ali and Bobby have created a must see place when your in Glasgow, come and find your own treasure that lights up your eyes and doesn't burn out your wallet. I saved up during lockdown, waiting eagerly for the stores lights to spark back on. £90 spent on two wonderful big pieces, Mums Wicker Chest and a Queen Anne Stool and then a wee Tenner Bag of bric a brac for personal gifts. Oh I do like a good wee barter. Boys my £100 of savings will go a long way to raising more smiles of others, because C & A helped me achieve more than my preset goals I thought they deserved a wee mention for their 100% welcoming service* Thanks Lads. The number never stored on my phone, too busy enjoying the banter we were to press save. See you both soon for some more of my bargains identified and set aside.

For the last six years, C & A antiques have had a lovely wee Princess Jasmine ornament dancing in…read moretheir window, and I am on the verge of buying her before she gets left on the shelf forever! It's quite a wee grotto but it's always worth browsing. From time to time they get some desirable crockery sets in and the occassion spot of Americana diner paraphrenalia. I do enjoy their recurring Betty Boop collection, especially the big waitress Betty they had in the window a while back which was half the size of me! You could easily have put your cutlery on her. There's a little spattering of everything in here but it's worth a look if you're in the area and looking for a new print for your living room, or a little piece of history for your mantlepiece. I think Jasmine will soon be joining my collection of oddities, and I might perhaps begin a brass collection. They always seem to house an ecclectic selection of the latter, from boot polishers to an enchanting wee art nouveau carriage which looks like it's a candle holder. I'm almost tempted to buy it but since it has real working wheels I'm scared I'll set my house on fire. Next time you're passing through, stop in for a nosey.

My boyfriend and I were making our way to the Salvation Army furniture store in search of a desk…read moreand drawers for our new flat when we noticed this furniture shop across the road and decided to have a wee nosey. It's a nice store- much bigger inside then you would think- with absolutely gorgeous wood furniture from big double beds to good, solid chests of drawers. It's just such a shame we couldn't afford any of it. None whatsoever. We also weren't welcomed by the man behind the counter, who remained on the phone while looking over suspiciously at us. Hmm, maybe he could tell we shop at the Salvation Army. If you do too, then this place is best avoided

Hallalujah, we made a decision and bought our new living room and bedroom furniture! After…read moresearching and searching, we decided upon two separate sets here at The Livingroom on Dumbarton Road! When we stopped in months prior, neither of us had ever been in to this shop. Right as you step in, it's very welcoming and homely and the staff are quick to say hello which is a nice touch. Most of the furniture has a bit of a shabby chic feel to it, but the two sets we bought were more on the cozy modern type. We lucked out and the couches we bought were part of a managers special that day and we were able to get a great deal on the bedroom set because we ended up adding an extra piece on. The staff were really accommodating- we actually walked around the shop discussing our potential purchase for quite sometime. We had loads of questions about delivery and the price of extra furniture added on. Never once were we pressured in to making a decision right then and there which was nice. We actually walked around the west end for a bit and then made the decision to buy what we loved at The Livingroom and headed back. It took a bit of time to get everything written down and added up, but that was ok. We could have had our couches delivered straight away (at no extra charge), but we wanted everything delivered at once, and we needed to wait for a bedside table to come in to stock. No bother, we've been given enough time to find a new home for our old furniture. All in all, this shop is great. Loads to choose from and all top quality furniture. All wooden pieces have dovetail joineted drawers (which is the only kind we will buy) and everything is reasonably priced. There were other pieces we had our eyes on, so I'm sure we'll be back when we're ready to buy more.

£15 for a suit! £15 I tells thee! Popped in here the other week for a quick flick through the racks…read moreand stumbled upon a kick ass blue pinstripe suit (three piece) for fifteen of your earth pounds! Now normally I can never find an entire suit set to fit my odd body, but clearly this suit was purchased by my future self and left to charity I passed... yeah, that must be it. Beside this, the vibe of this shop is a little dif from your regular charity joint. The chick who I've seen in here on most occasions, has a slight hipster / librarian vibe going on, but minus the aloof manner. With this in mind, you can see that she puts out some effort into digging through the mountains of gear to find the odd hidden gem. So yeah, for vintage gear in the West End at non West End price... you could do worse than check out this joint.

This is quite a small Shelter shop, but has some great ways to display things such as jewelery and…read morehats. Unfortunately, they're not for sale... In the limited space, they stock the usual charity shop fare; clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, kitchen and homeware and general tat. There's nothing that special about this shop - although the girl behind the counter was very friendly.

please, please, please do not go into this shop. i have had…read morea problem with an item for 5 months. the hapless manager claims to be new and isn't allowed to deal with my complaint! i have tried to contact senior management or the owners but they do not appear to care, they have my money!!! the shop looks beautiful but it is always empty, there is a reason for that. go to a shop where the staff are imformed and actually care.

An enormous selection of Diamond jewellery. Bought an eternity ring great price, AMAZING quality…read moreand personal, friendly service from knowledgable staff and free diamond cleaning - nice touch!

A deceptive little charity shop on a corner of Duke Street, Mary's Meals may seem like a little old…read morelady shop from the outside, however I was very surprised to step inside and discover the hidden depths within. I soon discovered their retro section, which is filled with gorgeous vintage gowns, coats, hats and scarves, all at amazing prices compared with city centre vintage vendors. My proud purchases include a coral pleated dress and a pretty, floaty floral summer dress, at a total of just £10 for both. Bargain! There is also a good selection of linens, tablecloths and blankets in here and there are probably plenty of bargains to be had if you have an eye for that sort of thing. A very lovely little charity shop that boasts much more than meets the eye.

This is only one of many charity shops dotted along the length of Duke Street. It's staff are…read morefriendly and chatty: they like to make you feel at home from the moment you step inside. The usual array of clothes, shoes and crockery greets you at the door, but at the back lies a small, but ever-increasing Retro section - no doubt to cater for the students flooding the Dennistoun area in recent years. The most recent result of my foraging in here was a Billy Connoly video, a Stereophonics video, a Chick Flick book and Jane Austen's Emma, all for £1.90! As ma maw says, where would you be going? You can't get cheaper anywhere and it's all for charity, so what's not to like??

It's just a wee teeny shop, blink and you'll miss it. But keep your eyes peeled for this wee gem…read more There are countless unique and beautifully crafted pieces here for incredibly low prices. Such a great wee spot for gifts (for others or yourself).