I am going to completely agree with Emma-Loiuse about this store which upon first discovery, I…read morenever even knew existed until I found out by accident. Branded Bargains is if you like, your large version of Home Bargains as it is very similar in layout and style so don't be fooled for seeing double; this place is like Home Bargains big brother and you will find allsorts of extra items to buy at low prices in addition to the usual Home Bargains products. I like this place so much, that I'm now a regular shopper at this store; its truly a hidden treasure chest (well, not exactly but you know what I mean)! It is out of the way from the main road and situated behind TJ Hughes so not often noticeable. If I had to use a map to find this place, I would say its definitely worth it.

Home Bargains, Bodycare or Savers and Branded Bargains, the big three, the holy trinity of stocking…read moreyour bathroom, below-kitchen-sink cupboard or generally making your shelves feel like they're full, primarily with Supernoodles. Just outside of the little Textile Town on the outskirts of Liverpool's centre is this marvellous store, located adjacently to its furniture offering and nearby to a heck of a lot of fabric and second-hand stuff. If you've never read my reviews before, well, shame on you! I mean, sorry, let me correct myself and say that you might not have HEARD of Home Bargains. Well, Liverpool, you are lucky. Not only do you have the behemoth of good value that is TJ Hughes on your doorstep, you also have the student and freelance writer (not that I'm talking about myself, noooo) Mecca of shopping wonderment that is Branded Bargains. They're Bargains. And they're Branded. Meaning they're cheap, and they're things you've heard of. Johnson & Johnson moisturisers, for instance. L'Oreal shampoos. Heinz beans. Pot Noodles. Jordan's cereals. Not stolen personally from the muesli arsenal of Katie 'Jordan' Price, but rather the ones that Bill Oddie's voice waxes lyrical about when he's narrating the adverts. You name it, at some point (somewhat rotationally, we have to remember, as with Home Bargains) they'll have it. It's a great place to pick up quirky gifts and offers plenty of homeware as well as edibles and toiletries, and if you're even slightly strapped for cash you'll save a bundle here. Put it on your list of shops to visit.

This place is stuffed full of useful things and it's all cheaperty cheap cheap! If you don't have…read moreyour England flag yet (I am sure you will do, but well just in case) there are plenty on sale here. Outside dustbins (£8.99) - they have plenty of these as well, as compost bins. I found a really useful wash basket to put my washed clothes in as I hang them up on the line or take them down. Plastic seats and plastic steps - hmmm rather a lot of plastic, it's not good for the sea, as it will eventually get there, I don't doubt that. Most of this shop is probably my dad's dreamland - paint galore, brushes, gardening pots of every kind, pet accessories. Would you believe it - reading glasses as well!

The Chandlers discount store in Allerton sells a wide variety of household goods, especially basic…read moreDIY equipment and other bits and bobs (that's how I shall put it as I'm no DIY expert)! Oh, and they sell chocolates too! Anyhow, if you're looking to replace your broken brush or mop, then you're in luck here. Everything in this store sells well in terms of price but I'm not sure about quality as I've not actually bought anything from here. From what I have observed, they have a generous selection of garden related items; this is what hit me most when I first entered. I would consider this store as very handy indeed because it provides all the home and garden essentials and if you're a hobbyist of such trades, you'll enjoy what the store has available.

I love nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa with a roaring fire especially around Christmas…read moretime. But thinking about a roaring fire and the fab weather that we have had, I am not feeling the love so much. However, come the cold weather and I will be the first to be found warming my hands by the fire. So, in preparation and thinking ahead, you might like to check Warm Surroundings out. The company has been around for 25 years and in that time they have restored and fitted antique fireplaces. I don't know about anyone else, but my favourite type of fireplaces has to be grated fireplaces - I just think that they are the real deal - no half hearted fire - thank you! Warm Surroundings have a really great selection of grates as well as chimney pieces. The shop is pretty big and staff very helpful. I don't think you can really go wrong.

They clearly portray an image of providing a bespoke service but seemed completely uninterested in…read morerestoration of existing installation. "offering a full bespoke service"

Calico Skies is a very interesting shop. The shop is mainly fireplaces but also has lots of…read morebeautiful interior products to fill your home with and make it look awesome. I went in for the interiors rather than the fireplaces. Interior wise they really do have a good range, including picture frames, pictures, beautifully designed glass vases, candles, lamps, clocks, mirrors, chest of draws, candle holders, wooden baskets, glass bowls and chairs. I think my favourite was a very artistic glass vase with a green and black fired pattern on. I would definitely recommend a smooch around the shop.

With Carpet Right acquiring all the competition there doesn't seem to be much choice in where to…read moreshop for carpets these days and the choice is rather limited. Select Carpets does stock some alternatives that I havdnt seen anywhere else and offer free fitting on all carpets. In fact they have over 3,000 samples to choose from. They stock mid to high end carpets and mostly sell eighty percent wool twists from a range of manufacturers. They are a very nice family firm to do business with and have been supplying carpets for over 20 years. They close at 3.30pm on a Saturday and don't open Sundays.

Great local carpet shop and fitters. Friendly service and super install team. Recommendedread more

I have nothing but praise for this local company. I bought a piece of marble backing along with a…read moremarble hearth about 12 months ago. There were so many different pieces you could choose from and they would even cut them to size for you. Sadly I measured my fieplace incorrectly. Yes me. No them, and when the marble was delivered it wouldn't fit. They were quite within their rights to say 'tough' it is your fault. But they didn't and couldn't help enough. They gladly recut the marble at no extra cost, and did it all within a couple of days. Their customer services was second to none. They also sell fires. I would definately use them again and would recommend anybody else does the same.

What a pleasure to find a traditional, old, well established furniture company which I stumbled…read moreupon whilst searching for a particular branded item of furniture. Replies to emails and telephone calls were prompt, the service exemplary in every respect, and the prices were unbelievably good. The delivery service was free and the men were very courteous and everything went like clockwork. I purchased over the telephone, and how lovely to get an old-fashioned, hand written receipt in the post the next day with credit card docket attached. Would make this company my number one port of call for any furniture items I may require in the future. Absolutely brilliant!

From the owner: George F Knowles is one of Liverpool, s largest independent Furniture retailers. Established in…read more1903 with a reputation built on great service , competitive prices and an extensive range of quality products. Our 20000sq ft showroom in Liverpool displays some of the best known Furniture Brands. We work with some of the most respected names in the industry and while tradition is at the heart of our business, we acknowledge the growing demand for simple design, natural materials and fresh colour pallets. At George F Knowles in Liverpool our experienced Sales Team will provide expert advice and have " An Extra mile" service mentality.

Rapid DIY is a department store with a difference - it's family run and owned which is nice to see…read morein the days of B&Q and Argos monopolising the market. It's located where John Lewis used to be, right underneath the Radio City tower, impossible to miss. They used to concentrate on selling DIY and hardware, however now they sell everything under one roof, from linen curtains to carpets to the traditional DIY. The store has been recently refurbished, and now has a cafe instore which even sells the traditional scouse! Everything is a reasonable price, considering it is an independent store and in my opinion is on track to compete with the big names in the business.

Rapid DIY is a brilliant all round department store serving several floors that once used to be the…read morehome of John Lewis. It has now expanded greatly and made the most of the former (and well recognised) George Henry Lee building. Rapid is now right in the heart of the city centre with many entrances you can't fail to walk past. The massive improvement is that the building is now fully refurbished to give customers an even better, brighter shopping experience all under one roof! It is still going to expand further in the not so distant future which is also great news. Additionally, there is a fantastic Signature Cafe in store serving hot and cold wholesome Liverpool favourites, including scouse (one of my favourites)! As a whole, Rapid is great value for money and has a huge range of quality goods. You won't be disappointed.