Now, this place may not win any awards for being cool and I used to curse my mother for buying me…read moreshoes from here when I was a young boy but now I'm older and buying my own shoes I can see why she brought me here year after year to get my school shoes. The prices aren't low but they're really, really good for the quality of shoe that you get and a pair of Clarks will last you ages. There is also that cool machine that works out your shoe-size which always used to amaze me when I was younger. The staff are knowledgable and friendly, not being too pushy with the optional extras like polishes and leather protector etc.

I usually don't like going to this Clarks Shoe shop as their kids department is upstairs and not…read moreoverly convenient for prams. I was passing today but and needed to get new shoes for my youngest so I thought I would nip in. As I said kids department is upstairs so I parked the pram in the designated area for prams and brought my wee one upstairs. There was no one else there, bonus I picked a good time to go, I noticed on my way in through the doors a ticket system so it must get very busy at times and to stop arguments between mothers they have thought of this. Shop is very well laid out in age categories and types of shoes. Lovely and bright too for kids. Assistant came straight over and measured my daughters feet and then went into the store and got all the available stock in her size, three pairs to choose between. Assistants are very knowledgeable in fitting for kids. Needless to say we came home with new shoes.

An old fashioned, traditional style shoe shop. To be honest it's not really to my taste but others…read moremay like Gaffney's. I find it a tad expensive and behind the times. Plus I never feel I can browse this shop comfortably as sales staff always seem to hover over my shoulder in a rather irritating manner. Maybe they are trying to be helpful, jump on a sales opportunity or think I'm going to steal and run off with the one shoe out of a pair on display hahahahaha! I actually dislike going into this shop. Dowdy, dated and out-of-style, I'll definitely be buying my footwear elsewhere...

don't shop here. used to work here. the owner is awful to both staff and customers, marks up his…read moreprices like CRAZY (selling boots worth £20 at £100), doesn't listen to any kind of sound business advice and then wonders why his business is failing. he sacked one of my coworkers mid-shift and made her continue her shift, he made me (his manager at the time) come in and rearrange his ENTIRE store for him (took me almost 3 whole days to complete) only to sack me once I finished all the hard work for him or in his words "I'll call you when I have hours for you". he tells customers they are wrong if they say a shoe doesn't fit them or feel comfortable and makes them out to be liars if a pair of shoes they bought happened to be faulty. his store also does not adhere to legal requirements such as having smoke alarms, fire extinguishers or being wheelchair accessible and when I brought these things up to him he laughed, particularly about being wheelchair accessible. don't give this man your money he's an awful excuse for a human.

If you seeking elegant but traditional shoes for special occasions such as a weddings, or need…read moreappropriate footwear if your profession has a formal dress code then Arabesque is worth a visit. They stock Italian and Spanish designer shoes that are smart but comfortable classics, beautifully made from leather and suede that will lift your stature with out being excruciatingly high or ultra trendy. The target here is really for the well heeled older woman, but on the other hand I have noticed there are good sales on here so the prices are by no means out of sight. So I should confess my eye is on some rather nice wedge heel black suede numbers. There is also a selection of classic handbags to marry with the shoes. It's very old school in here, with a charming, gentlemanly proprietor in charge. As a small shop, the service is attentive so is best for those who are genuinely interested in the stock rather than casual browsers.

There are a lot of charity shoes out there, but I really like this one, and there is a really good…read morecause behind this place. We all love a bit of donating to charity as it makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside, and we all know people who have been afflicted by the big C. There is a good range of products in here. There are a lot of books, CDs, DVDs and other bits and bobs in here. There are also a good range of clothes on offer as well as bard games and all the other paraphernalia that you would expect from a charity shop in here. A lot of people who work in here are volunteers and do this job just to help out and do their bit which is truly admirable. There are numerous bargains to be had here. They are welcome and grateful for any donations too, so get yourself down and get involved, everyone will be a winner.

Jacksons 38 is one of five (yes, you heard right) departments, if you like, all owned by Jacksons…read moreof Saintfield. Not a clue who this guy is, but he essentially owns half of the Main Street... As well as the main hardware / cookware store a few doors up, there is also a 'Lifestyle' stores few doors on up from that, which consists of a health food shop, a coffee shop and a home interiors shop. Phew! However, my trip was only to this sweet little boutique. Mainly consisting of ladies, gents and kids shoes, it is also a jewellery shop, an accessories shop (wallets, belts, scarves etc.), and a ladies clothes shop. Blinkin' heck. It's one of those shops that's a myriad of little rooms and sections that see to go on forever. There really is a beautiful selection, and the range of kid's school shoes rivals an actual shoe shop's range. The lady sales assistant was very pleasant and welcoming - cheery smiles galore. She was helpfully aiding a customer who was trying on shoes, but didn't neglect the others who were busy looking too. I must commend this Jackson fella on such a beautiful little shop. Highly recommended.

Conservatory Coffee, health food, boutiqueness…read moreHaiku perfection Visited here on a priest's recommendation to sip coffee with Michael W. Smith in the background and hoping to catch a nice Irish evangelical's eye... But even without those expectations being met (there's always next time), I think I've found my new favorite coffee shop in County Down. As you walk into Jackson's there is the boutique on the right, health food on the left, and straight to the back, nectar of the gods: COFFEE. Even further back, comfy couches and tables fill a beautiful, bright, glass conservatory facing out into the courtyard. Me and a friend sat until close (4:30 p.m.) sipping our coffee and admiring others fancy beverages and jealousy inducing desserts. While I have yet to witness it, I was told that the scones are as big as your head and full of fruity surprises. I couldn't ask for a better setting or cup of coffee to sip, sit, people watch, and/or work.

Quite a large store completely stuffed full of bargains! There are plenty of discount clothes for…read moreall the family (including well known brands), plus accessories like attractive scarves and handbags. You can buy shoes too, plus socks and underwear. The homeware department interested me the most yesterday as there were so many discounts on china, including pretty china jugs and jam/marmalade pots with lids, for just £1. I had a lovely browse for a while and bought a few things! You will also find bedding, other textiles and cushions too, gifts, yarn (for knitting), toiletries for men and women, toys and so much more, so well worth a look.

This isn't an expensive, out of the price range shoe shop selling big name designer shoes, but it…read moreis a fantastic bargain buy shop for back to school shoe wear or reliable shoes that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Admittedly it is the same old stuff year in year out but you can't beat the value for money you find here. Cheap shoes in both their price and sometimes their quality. Saying that though, if you need those school gutties / plimsoles for P.E. then you can get them here for a total steal of £1.99. Now you can't beat that! The shop has been keeping feet happy for nearly one hundred years. It was founded originally founded in 1917 as "Bensonshoe" and since has been providing discount foot wear at a great price. If you're not fussy and are after a value buy then head to Shoe Zone and pick up a bargain.

From the owner: Shoe Zone is the UK's leading value footwear retailer. We love nothing better than helping our…read morecustomers find exactly the right shoes, and always at affordable prices. Our huge selection of shoes for all the family means that whatever the occasion, whatever the outfit, you're sure to find something you'll love.

Isle of Man has numerous thrift shops, Crossroads Boutique and Dress Agency will accept top…read morequality items on consignment. They accept up to 10 items at a time, the donor completes a form with their contact info, if items are sold the donor receives a check at month end. If after four weeks, the items are not sold, the items are kept as donations to the shop. Consignment items must be clean and in very good condition. The shop is nicely merchandised and Crossroads does great work, so even if the items do not sell, happy to donate them to the cause. They offer special occasion wear and vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, men's, women's and childrens wear plus gift items, collectibles and jewellery. Donations always welcome! The staff is very helpful. Also, Crossroads' charity shops offer volunteer and training opportunities to young people.