It's amazing how shops like these stay in business with such huge competition from the ever growing…read morenumber of supermarkets and chain stores. I'm not sure how long this little gem has been around for, but it looks like it could have been here since the eighties. Exuding an unselfconsciously kitsch vibe, the shop sells a huge selection of suitcases and travel bags, catering for every conceivable personality and luggage load. If you're partial to the more quirky style suitcases, you'll be pleased to know that Mr Ben will cater for your dotty needs. And for those of you who like to travel less ostentatiously, you will also find an array of bland suitcases, to fit every bland need. Oh, and this shop is a great place to purchase jumbo umbrellas at bargain rates.

bought a suitcase from him because he promised to get us another identical one in 2 weeks and phone…read moreus when it arrived. we paid cash, he didn't give us a receipt..we waited about 4 weeks ,no contact from him, we called in his shop, he hadn't done it, said he forgot ,he wouldn't refund the money at all. he said he would get us 2 other ones, but we really wanted 2 of the design we chose. He absolutely refused to take the 1 back and refund the cash we paid, he was not a very nice person at all, we will never go there again, and would put anyone off of buying from him..Wish we had not seen his shop when we were in Bedminster.

It was going to be my first Glastonbury Festival. I had my tickets and a bottle of vodka…read more 'Erm, you might need a bit more than that,' one friend chirped. 'Like a tent. And a sleeping bag. And a hat.' Full of purpose I went where I'd seen many active camping people (in the non John Inman sense) lurking: at Kathmandu opposite the Bristol Museum. I was immediately struck by how unprepared I was. Among the regular camping gear, there was thermal underwear, gas cookers and hiking packs. This was probably a bit more hardcore than I needed, but the helpful staff pointed me in the direction of a very functional £30 tent. One VERY handy thing about Kathmandu is that they have one of those 'if your luggage fits in here it's suitable for hand luggage' slots that you get at the airport. I always pay this shop a visit before jetting off to see how much I can squidge into one humble bag!

The shop with the never ending sale! Not a bad thing at all, but you don't know if it's a marketing…read moretrick or if they are always actually having sales. Either way very, very handy for festival season (probably handy for camping as well, but who the hell does that if they're not at a festival!?). It's the best place to pick up the essentials, like roll mats, chairs and torches. But I don't think they are the best around for the larger items like bags and bigger tents. They are great for small one or two man tents, but we had a walk into town and got a much better deal on a five man behemoth tent that makes me cry every time I have to put it up. But for all the camping gear you didn't even know you needed, they are the best. Try and catch one of their brilliant pre-summer sales, they always have a 3 for 2 offer that does the trick. The staff are always really friendly & helpful and I will be in there soon to pick up some tent pegs for this year's Glasto.

The most expensive item of clothing I have ever bought was a long black leather jacket, much to my…read moremother's horror. I'd just started getting into moody teenage music and wanted the look to boot so I managed to save up £200 to buy a full length leather coat. Said coat is now lying in tatters at the bottom of my wardrobe after I decided to climb a tree wearing it. Doh! Anyway, I couldn't find it anywhere in my native Bournemouth so headed to a leather shop in Carnaby Street in London and bob's your uncle I got it. And that is what Premier Leathers reminds me of. Not only does it have an impeccable selection of leather jackets, long short, black, red, zipped, buttoned (you get the idea) but it also has cool t-shirts and accessories, including luggage cases, belts and wallets. A definite must for all things leather related!

My Husband bought me a leather coat from Premier Leathers a while ago, It had become scruffy due to…read morelots of wear. I took it back to Premier Leathers and asked if they would be able to restore the colour, replace missing poppers etc The very friendly Manager sent it to be done, and it has come back absolutely as new. A job very well done. Thankyou very much Mrs Tibbs

Having just come back from America, where every other women strutting her stuff down the Las Vegas…read morestrip carried a Guess bag, I completely forgot we had our own little slice of the States in Cabot Circus. Guess bags, belts and purses have a unique look: colourful, fun and slightly trashy - and I love them. Walking into the low-lit shop brought me right back to being in the hot, hot heat and feeling drunk at midday. I love browsing the oversized shoulder bags and garish belts and feel a real envy over women confident enough to wear them. The prices aren't cheap, as you are paying for the name and quality, but if you see a bag you love I'm sure it's worth every penny.

This shop exists quite discreetly in a lane off Park Street. Seeing as Park Street has many…read moreclothing shops which are quite popular, every time I try to explain where Seven is, I draw blank looks. When I say, it's right next to The Woods, people usually nod and say 'Yeah, we know The Woods, but I didn't know there was anything next to it..' Well there is! A shop just bursting with flavour, style and individuality. The next time you're shopping up Park Street, or drinking at The Woods, keep your eye out for this graffiti laden shop and enter its grotto of awesome tees, caps, shoes and posters; some produced by the designers at Seven, others by independent Bristol designers and also a handpicked selection of other imports. This is just a really cool shop - small but everything in there is ace.

This place is cool…read more This shop reminds me of the little vintage/independant boutiques I used to rummage through during my time in East Berlin. You access it by walking down the stairs from the front door into a small shop area. There's pretty cool music playing and a small selection of clothes which isn't too confusing to navigate. Check out the little suitcase of vintage items right by the stairs, definitely a few cool finds in there, all for £10, and above that there are some awesome trainers. If you're looking for a designer tee, they print their own, for RRP of £25 but you can find sale ones for as little a tenner. It's a very low-fi shop; they don't even have a till, but appreciate any custom they get and are really grateful and friendly.

Office makes me drool just thinking about it. Who would have thought such a funky shoes shop would…read morehave such an incredibly dull name. Oh well. I've been a fan for a while now (since I first stepped foot in the London branch in fact) so excuse me if I go off into Carrie Bradshaw mode... They do beautiful, retro-chic trainers and deliciously high heels. Right now there's shiny leather boots and cute pumps jostling for space on the shelves. A word of warning - leave your credit cards at home - you could spend a fortune on canvas and leather right here. I keep expecting the shop to move into Cabot's Circus, but so far it's remained separate. Watch this space though. A downside is that the sales staff are on the snooty/cool-as-a-cucumber side, but always happy to get you the correct size (and take your dosh!)

While some sports shops concentrate on providing sporting goods, and others try and keep a balance…read morebetween that and fashion, Office concentrates solely on the aesthetically pleasing side of the trainer world (with added shoes thrown in). The likes of Adidas, Nike, Etnies, Converse and New Balance are to the fore here. This has to be Bristol's best trainer shop, with shoes of all sizes and colours (many too fashionable for the likes of you or I to attempt to don), a proportion of which are exclusive to Office. They also seem to have a permanent sale on, which is worth checking out.