Judging by the quality of the names of some businesses in the area, one could be forgiven for…read morethinking that, going solely off the name, this was a chippy of some sort, or at the very least a fast food place (bearing in mind I've come across takeaways called 'The Chippy' in the past). Thankfully, this shop is not a chippy but is instead an electronics shop that sells a range of console games as well as various accessories and consoles themselves. The name isn't much more imaginative considering it's an electronics shop, but it could have been worse. The selection of games stocked in Chips is pretty impressive without competing with the bigger companies like Gamestation and Game too much, and if they were in the immediate area then it would probably be a better bet to go there instead, but it's not a bad option considering its convenient position in the heart of the town centre. You can also order from them online through Play.com and Amazon, which is another handy little feature if you can't be arsed to leave your house.

Maxwells is very well located on the main High Street and has occupied this position for a number…read moreof years and as such has demonstrated its longevity and place in the affections of the town. Many of the staff have been there for a long time and they know the business inside out. They have a good range of electrical items. When you first enter there is a big range of televisions to choose from, all usually on, and it makes the shop seem nice and bright. They sell lots of different makes of items, usually high quality such as smeg fridges, dyson cleaners. There is a section of electric fires at the back of the store and they also stock quite an extensive range of items incase you need a repair. If it isn't in stock they would do their utmost to order it as a matter of urgency for you and I think they provide a really high level of customer service.

Badger for books is located in such a small space in a converted old secondary school building, yet…read moreit consistently amazes me how much I can spend when I go in there on behalf of my school. I am based in the foundation stage and the stock of books on display by far exceed our needs. The business aims to provide schools with quality reading and research materials. The business has a very comprehensive web site to support its base in the Southlands centre. Staff are always very knowledgeable and are able to offer help with searching for that lost favourite book on their data base. Prices are as you expect when you are buying books but you do pay for quality. If you live in this area and are part of a school organisation I would highly recommend a visit to this school book specialist.

A well stocked store, this is great for unusual jewellery and stocking filler gifts for girls…read more Very well priced.

This is a fairly small Clairs's Accessories store. However it is conveniently located in the…read moreCornmill Centre in Darlington opposite HMV. I would think that is mostly geared towards younger girls aged 5-15 but there are sometimes nice bits and pieces for adults too. It has ranges of jewellery, hair accessories, bags, sunglasses, purses etc. They also do ear piercing within the store. It is not as cheap as stores like primark but is still pretty reasonable.

I have fantastic service here. As you enter the store there are a range of easliy identifiable…read morecontract or pay as you go handsets. You can pick up and feel the phones but you will be approached as in all phone shops by a sales representative. My experience of buying a pay as you go phone for my teenager was a good one here. The member of staff listened to my needs without being pushy and completed the sale in a helpful manner. The phone we chose was in stock and ready to go :) We had problems with the phone on 2 occassions during the year the phone was in guarentee and each time the shop assistants returned the phone for repair without any quibble, the last being 4 days ago. The phone was returned within 10 days and the shop called me as soon as it was back in their hands.

Although this shop looks a bit scruffy from the outside it's not so bad inside. In the main it's…read morefull of 2nd hand/used PCs, laptops & Notebooks. A number of flat screens are also available so if you can't afford a shiny new PC from the big retailers this is probably a good place to start. I normally get my printable cd-r from here at a reasonable price.

Clinton cards has a large selection of cards for all occasions and their seasonal cards (Mother's…read moreDay, Easter etc.) are usually all in one place on the left hand side of the store. They also have some gift items, including the famous 'Me to You' Bears. Most of the items are a bit expensive so I only shop in here when I want to get a card or gift for someone special. The store always looks tidy and there's an aroma of coffee as there's a small café attached to the back of the shop.

This is a really big card shop. Located at the end of the Hill street shopping mall. There is a…read morehuge fantastic selection of cards and you can choose your own budget as prices are well displayed on each stand. The display of wrapping paper and ribbons are very substantial offering a really broad choice. There are plenty of little nic naks which will tempt you to buy that little extra something to add to presents. At the back of the shop is a cafe to add to that relaxing feel within the shop. I never fail to go in this shop and not find what I am looking for.

This shop has vintage clothing set out in the style of the period. Very helpful owner.read more