For several years, I walked past the Watch Workshop on the High Street in Solihull, and every time…read moreI passed I always wondered, 'what could that shop be?' Of course, this is a massive lie, as the Watch Workshop does exactly what it says on the tin. As well as doing watch repair work, they also do the expected extras, such as selling straps, and have a very nice display of them all to ensure that you get exactly what you're after. They do a range of repair works, including battery replacements and resealing on divers watches (very handy, as it's often tough to find places able to do that), and all repairs come with a year long guaranteed. The staff are friendly and clearly know their stuff, which I always consider to be a good barometer of the quality of specialist shops such as watch fixers. Highly recommended.

I had my favourite boots resoled here, after being told by another specialist that they would have…read moreto completely take the sole off and re stitch another sole back on for twice the price I bought my boots for. I came across this "Old School Cobbler" who resoled my boots quickly and to such a level of quality my boots look brand new. I couldn't be more pleased. Thank you .

This is a great little collection of shops that have uniquely remained together, even after moving…read morefrom The Swan in Yardley to Acocks Green. Entering the store you are greeted on your left by a jewellers, and on your right by a shoe repair service; And at the back of the store lies a clothes alteration department. If you are a new customer, from my perspective, you're not sure exactly what to look at first, but I'm guessing that all three areas have built up their own regular shoppers, who know exactly what they are after. I love the independence of each, and the way they have survived by supporting each other. All three staff members are also very friendly, and the store feels warming, homely and old fashioned when compared to corporate businesses. The jewellers section also stocks a variation of unusual gifts too. From Betty Boop mugs and clocks collections (which are perfect for any enthusiast), to metal money boxes and watches. So it's a great place to buy presents for somebody. Or simply get your shoe repaired.

These guys are a great example of not giving in to the big, corporate bullies. When the Swan…read morecentre was sold to Tesco they effectively lost their small, independent businesses as they had nowhere to trade. Instead of accepting that they joined forces, found a nearby shop and trade as a collective. They had been at The Swan for nearly 20 years but wouldn't have been able to afford the rent on a property individually. The result is an extremely successful, wonderful and quirky arrangement that delivers three businesses for the price of one. There is a key cutter and cobbler, a jeweller and a haberdashery. The services they offer also include engraving and clothes alterations. All three businesses are friendly, helpful and normally cost very little. If you need one of these services and are looking for a bargain then this is the place for you.

thank you Kay and Adrian for beautiful jewellery especially lovely diamond cross in 18 carat white…read moregold it's amazing and beautiful very good price amazing quality and lovely people Kay and Ade are amazing just managed to find technology to sort review out better late than ever. both Kay and Adrian so caring and supportive of disabled customer go and see them both you won't be disappointed there amazing jewellers and amazing people. thank you Claire mad crutch lady xxx

What a wonderful shop and business. I was just browsing outside when I decided on a whim to pop…read morein. They have an amazing selection of mainly women's silver jewellery, from costume to classy and everything in-between. The lady behind the counter was extremely helpful when I explained that I was looking for a pair of silver hoops. She rummaged through pretty much all her stock that might contain said item but to no avail. That's when she, and the chap currently working on a piece right there and then, explained how the little shop come factory works. They will attempt to source any item you are looking for with a good enough replica, picture or description. Failing that they will just make up from scratch what you are looking for. For me this is a perfect service as what I am often looking for doesn't seem to exist. So, I'll be popping back in with the nearly right hoops I have already and a handful of adjectives. They also undertake jewellery repairs and aim for a day's turn around on all work undertaken.

On Parade is a wonderful store that specializes in dry cleaning but also lots, lots more. This is…read morea local, independent store that has built up a fantastic reputation. If you have something precious or more unique to dry clean these guys are probably for you. So they offer regular dry cleaning services and then hit the high mark with offers like taking down, dry cleaning and then re-hanging curtains. If you have 5 or more items to dry clean they will collect and return for you. For me this is pretty much a deluxe dry cleaners. They also offer services like shirt wash and iron which my parents have used and recommend. However, they also offer carpet cleaning services which I have used and can recommend. They do shoe repairs as well. They also have an onsite tailoring and alteration department which operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00- 3pm.

Awful service. Missed the promised turnaround time (they had had a breakin) but then didn't call…read moreback to update me as promised leaving me in the dark and without the suit when needed. Half hearted apology, tried to blame (absent) young colleague - who had done nothing wrong - and still charged their full premium price. Won't go again.

Apple at The Touchwood Centre is one of the smallest Apple store's I've been to, it is a pretty…read moregeneric mall location, albeit a little scaled back. It is a great brand to have in Solihull, especially for those who don't fancy the trip into Birmingham to get their tech fix. Most areas of the store were smaller than usual, but the Genius Bar area and selection of Apple goods were fine, and the staff seemed pretty friendly/welcoming. It does also seem easier to get an appointment here, compared to their nearby store in Birmingham and I do prefer this store overall, due to the limited size and high demand, it can get pretty crowded and a little uncomfortable at times, but Apple is trying to control the people allowed into the store at one time, and have been for a while due to the pandemic. 3*

Appalling customer service. I enquired about help for my elderly father who's been given an Apple…read morelaptop and is struggling with it. The only option I was offered was a group session in the back of the shop. I said that would be tricky for my dad who is hard of hearing. The reply I got was yes that can be tricky. No other options, no empathy no thought. I'd brought the gadget I needed so the person wasn't at all interested in being helpful.

This is one place you can visit if you need a PC or even a laptop that needs repairing. People will…read morehave their favourite stores in terms of where they get their laptops repaired. Give this place a try though. As well as repairing PC's and laptops, you can also purchase laptops and other computer accessories from here. But to be honest I would be more comfortable buying a computer/laptop from elsewhere. The CD's on sale are pretty expensive and that led to me buying them from another place. The prices in terms of the laptops being sold are pretty good. But again I would go somewhere else to buy a laptop. Customers I have spoken to have said they would come back to this shop and get their laptops repaired. The wait was not that long which was one reason why they said they would return. Staff are really helpful and they do know their stuff.

TWO SHOPS ON THE SAME STREET…read more The Computer Shop Has Ceased Trading. Alternatively the lads at Theitbusiness.com are available to help. Theitbusiness.com 0121 208 3142 70 Great Hampton St Hockley Birmingham B186EW

Helpful customer service. Helped me load machine for drying and with detergents and liquids. Prices…read moreare a lot more economical and machines are very very efficient compared to other launderettes

Was very disappointed today. Paid 12.80 for a service wash for two quilted bed throws, when I…read morecollected four hours later, they were soaking wet as if hadn't spun, were still dirty, and my new bottle of detergent was missing, even though I had been told twice it was in my bag, but it wasn't, then amazingly it was found, although 20 washes worth of liquid was missing from the bottle. What a rip off I will never use them again and will actively un-recommend them to people. I have been ripped off for nearly £13 and had my detergent stolen.

Being located right next door to an elegant clothing boutique (Bella Donna) and a besoke fitted…read morewardrobe maker (Neatsmith), it's fair to say that Inglis Clothes Care, a Laundromat and dry cleaning service shop doesn't exactly look stunning in comparison. However, this isn't exactly a fair comparison to make, and just as Bella Donna and Neatsmith do their jobs well, so does Inglis. They have 5 washing machines and 5 tumble driers, all of which are well priced (I normally pay £2 for a wash and dry overall) and there's usually at least one machine free. Using Inglis a couple of months into studenthood turned out to be a personal masterstroke, as I had absolutely no idea what I was doing with a washing machine and was half expecting to shrink my clothes. However, a very friendly woman who worked there obviously saw the confusion on my face and explained everything to me in layman's terms, for which I am eternally grateful and indebted. Their dry cleaning service is also well priced and quick, with a duvet service costing £9.50 for a 24 hour wash. Does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it well.