A small double-shop that sells absolutly everything for the grown-up kid and collector, from…read moretrading cards and action figures to comics and DVD's. Specialising in everything from Akira to Zodiac the store owner, (who I know quite well after shopping there for several years), will always greet you with a friendly "hello", and take time to talk to you and help you to find what you're looking for, (in some cases, stuff can be ordered in from another ACE shop, or from international suppliers). The best thing to do to see what kind of stock is available is buy a montly comic-book store catalogue called PREVIEWS, which is sold in the shop every month, which will tell you what new products are coming out within the next 2-3 months, (though this does depend on the suppliers and how finicky they decide to be). Regular customers can set up a kind of a "tab" system, where they can put larger items aside and pay them off bit-by-bit, (you may need to enquire about this service). Although some items, such as DVD's may be a quid or two more expensive than on the internet, you're getting this back in excellent customer service, and also supporting a small local shop, and the extra services provided, such as the one mentioned above. The shop also sells gift vouchers, so if you don't know your Uncanny X-Men from your Ultimate X-Men, then this is a great way to let that comic-book fan in your life get exactly what they're looking for. The shop also sells old comic-books too, as well as CD soundtracks, and collector's books of comics, as well as D&D/D20 products, statues, badges; everything!

From the owner: Selling Comics, Back Issues, Comic Subscriptions, Graphic Novels, Toys, Trading Cards, CCG and…read moremore! Find us in Colchester and Southend, Essex.

This shop is always very dark, and has music deafening you, (not to mention some of the staff don't…read morelook like they're too bright), but aside from that the ship is actually quite good. Offering a good price on most games and hardware, as well as special deals and half-price offers on many things, including chart games, you can sometimes find bargains in the store, (such as 5 HD-DVD movies for £10 new). They do need to get more staff in though, as there is often a queue, and it doesn't move as fast as it does in their sister-store: GAME. Some decent lighting and softer music would be nice too.

Gamestation, the first word for cheap, preowned games and peripherals. It's been this way since the…read moreplace opened and, although it's since been taken over by the people who own 'Game', Gamestation still can't be beaten for price on preowned games. If you need the cash, or just want some new games, they also give excellent prices on trading in your own games. The problem, though, is that the place is perpetually busy, and you will usually have to queue to get anything done - especially as it takes time to trade anything in.

A great place to find a bargain, though the staff are a bit hit-and-miss, some of them, are great,…read moreand will always smile, however the others are very Chavvy and opinionated of themselves, and tend to talk down to you, and will also use the approach of sell whatever costs the most to the person who doesn't know about consoles and games. I know several of these staff personally, and those who are smiling make a great game shopping experience even better, also, unlike shops such as GameStation, they don't have Goth or Mosher music blasting out the speakers and very dark lighting, which I feel adds to an enjoyable experience.

staff are helpful but do tend to take their time over things, and finding room to get a buggy…read morearound the shop is quite an issue on busier days, but good value, good deals and good trade in prices.

Whole second floor given over to books. Very good selection with helpful staff. If not in stock…read morethey will order it in. Often have special offers - 3 for 2 etc.

a large store, with a wide range of magazines, books, stationary and cd's/dvds, as well as cards…read more great to find many magazines that would not be found in other shops. great offers and good deals on often. staff are extremely friendly and helpful, with excellent customer service skills.

I love CEX with the amount of games and tech in stock but they ould have a larger variety with…read morethings other than just games and a few gadjets

Knowledgable, friendly and a great selection. Had something I wanted (or didn't know I wanted!)…read moreevery time I've been in. The guys there will always give recommendations if you ask, really know their stuff. What Southend has needed for years!