Imagine a DIY store where new items are added but nothing is ever removed. Now imagine a maze of…read morerooms full of incredibly useful things, some of which you never knew you wanted or needed! Torrys is an amazing store where you can buy just about anything. They offer key cutting and timber cutting but you can also buy a short length of pipe, odd batteries, peculiar bulbs and an excellent range of washing up bowls to fit any sink. Staff are helpful and have an encylopedic knowledge of where things are. As a customer I sometimes feel I should be leaving a trail behind me to find my way back to the exit! Shops like this need to be preserved. The only downside is the parking which is on the street and sometimes tricky. If you aren't buying anything big then going by bus is probably best.

Little bit like Arkwright's in TV's Open All Hours. Brilliant old style proper shop for people who…read morewant to maintain or repair things rather than chucking them out to replace with new tat. I wanted to try a mattock for size before buying and this was the place to do it. Good to see that there are young 'apprentices' working there as well as old hands.

Friendly Homebase with a good range of products, particularly home decorating. Upstairs are…read morebathrooms, kitchens and furniture. The kitchen planning service is good and the staff know their stuff. Downstairs is paint, cushions, a limited range of DIY stuff and more furniture. Behind the tills they have a charity book table. This store is rarely busy unless it's 10% day and the parking is good (although it's tricky turning right out the car park since Lidl opened on the opposite side). It's worth ringing ahead if there's something particular you want as the Focus DIY at Warwick is now a Homebase and is larger and often has better stock levels.