Warrington Market runs Monday to Saturday in Warrington town centre, a couple of minutes away from…read moreGolden Square Shopping Centre - it has both an indoor and outdoor market, although the outdoor area does seem much more popular in terms of business but I just don't see the hype sadly - with huge crowds, queues at certain stalls and people just walking past fresh produce smoking (I hate the smell and sight of smoke especially in a market which is supposed to be quality - surely areas like this should have a smoking ban like indoor locations are smoke-free in the UK?) The indoor area isn't much better it feels a little old - the dirty floor and horrible, rancid smells inside don't help - as soon as I entered I was forced to persevere past the horrible wind as you entered which blew the horrible smells right into your face which was simply vomit-inducing. It really does seem the growth of supermarkets which has had a bad effect on markets has affected this one - reviewers state this place was even in decline around ten years ago and by the looks of things, it seems to be surviving by the skin of its' teeth and it's really far from the place it once was. 1*

There are a few very good stalls of note in the market that have stood the test of time but…read moreunfortunately there are some not so good ones. That and the fact that more than a third seem to be empty means that the market is getting worse not better. It seems to be going in the direction of the rest of Warrington town centre, Downwards. Well done to the handful of good stalls on there. Notably the Game and Fish stalls along with a good veg stall. Mr Tasty brightens the place up and now has the largest stall in there. If a fraction of people in Warrington stopped using the supermarkets all the time and paid a Weekly or even Monthly visit to the Market then it may be able halt the decline and improve. The Stall I like include the following. African/Jamaican produce Caribbean Hot food store Cheese store Sausage Store Mr Tasty Butchers and cooked/roast food Veg store Game Store Fish monger For others there is a sports/angling store A cafe' Lots of clothes, shoes and bag store. A pet shop, hairdressers lots of place open and close in a short time. Last time I visited one of the three halls was almost empty.

I called in at Waterstones in the Arndale at lunchtime looking for a particular game - I wasn't…read moreable to find it and didn't have much time as I was on lunch break. The lovely assistant promised to locate the game for me and when I returned after work it was there waiting for me to pick up behind the desk with my name on it. THIS IS GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE - VERY IMPRESSED! Thanks so much Ann

This branch of Waterstones - along with all of its other branches - is now closed temporarily, due…read moreto the coronavirus situation.

A pleasant Next Store in Altrincham's town centre, I called here to drop off a return for my…read morefriend. Due to UK government guidelines, they are only able to open for click and collect orders, and returns, they're doing this by serving people at the door with perspex screens, while this isn't the most comfortable or great experience, they do seem to be trying, although I wouldn't want to be spending a lot of time collecting an order in queues etc in the rain. They could have worked it out better for sure such as by opening a small area of the store to handle everything inside, but it's still better than staying closed. The store is a decent size, it certainly isn't bad for a small town, although I do significantly prefer their Manchester store which is much better. 3* - Pretty decent store, the staff seemed friendly enough. It does seem clean most of the time when I visit, before or after the epidemic.

Waterstone's in Altrincham town centre is probably one of my favourite stores within the town…read morecentre especially after the closure of the Carphone Warehouse store which was virtually opposite this one. It is a fairly large and modern store and it does stand out more than most within the town centre's shopping street, especially with the dark nights drawing in through these cold winter months and it is one of the larger stores on George Street anyway. It does shut early but this is common in the town centre and I did find the store again to be a little understaffed considering I did visit at quite a busy time (Saturday, the run-up to Christmas). 3* - Nice book-store for a big town, obviously it is a chain and I feel a little uneasy about paying higher prices at a chain compared to online retailers unless it is at an independent book-store, again this store doesn't compare to larger branches in larger towns and shopping centres but still it isn't a bad alternative if you don't fancy heading into Manchester from Alty.

A decent Poundland location at the start of Market Walk in Chorley, the store is almost ten years…read moreold but still looks good from the outside, and on the interior, it feels like a typical Poundland store. The checkout area is well-managed with multiple self-service checkouts, this is good to see as it can be poorly managed without self-scanning checkouts at other locations, especially outside of big cities. The beverage and fridge sections were a little lacking, compared to other stores, but overall the selection was OK. They were low on staff, I always find Poundland to be a mini jumble sale and can struggle to find items, it's a shame there weren't staff on hand to assist here. 3* - Average Poundland store, some good products and A-OK for sure. Another nice brand to have in Chorley's town centre.

Not the most exciting of Poundlands I've been in. Biggish…read morestore but seems sparse to some of them Just opened on the 8th Sept 2011 So give it time to get going. Watch this space. Three units in Chorley's Market Walk shopping centre knocked through to house this new Poundland discount store. Everyday essentials and top brands including Colgate, Walkers, Weight Watchers and Kodak - all at just £1.

Pop-up is a one stop shop selling everything from clothing and jewellery to home wares and greeting…read morecards. Run by students from the local university in partnership with Afflecks Palace, it is one of the most exciting retail developments to open up in the Nothern Quarter in recent years. For me, this is what Manchester is all about. It shows initiative, forward thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit and is yet another example of how the city so successfully draws on its biggest resource, ie its student population whilst giving young people a leg up.

Great little shops for gifts, cards, jewellery and individual clothing. This place is run by…read morestudents mainly for students. The students who work here are passionate about the job and always warm and inviting towards everyone. Pretty good prices here as the place is independent and is in partnership with Afflecks. Beats a job in a local sandwhich shop I had whilst at uni!

The 'Hidden Urban Project' is a new addition to the alternative shopping market. Usually housed…read moreinside bars, the project provides a relaxed atmosphere that shoppers can enjoy. A pint whilst you shop? Could this be the future of shopping?? A pint whist you shop? Jewellery, Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Art, Carvings. Vintage, Handmade, Customised and inmported products. This place is a cross between Urban Outfitters, Afflecks & Topshop, but in a bar! Has to seen! SATURDAYS ONLY (12-6PM) (http://www.myspace.com/hiddenurbanmarket )

Woolworths closed down and a new name I had never heard of before took over the empty Premises. Was…read morenot really amused. But hey I gave it a try and never looked back. Lots of different types of products, Some well known names and others new to me. There isnt a trip to town without a visit.. I have bought some really good things from the shop, pro my favorite is my Halogen Oven. Far cheaper than anywhere else but does a great job. The only problem that I see is it seems that some items when they are gone they are gone. So if it's food I really stock up. So go in, have a browse, and you will find you will walk out buying somthing. Works everytime. Just need a little coffee shop in the corner.

This large bargain store sells remainders, bin ends, end of line goods, at bargain prices as well…read moreas an eclectic range of foodstuffs, household goods and gardening equipment. The best way to shop here is just to roam the store, find the bargains you want eg catering packs, obscure foreign gourmet foods etc, buy as much as you can at the give away prices they charge and then accept the fact you may never see the same items for sale here again. A great shop and a fascinating way to pass the time seeing just what they have on the shelves today.