I can totally understand why this shop is entitled 'The Barn'. It's got a kind of storage feel to…read moreit, and you can't really move too far without tripping over something, or bumping into that other thing. Especially if your name's Lynne... Crammed full of furniture, soft furnishings, candles, gifts and a whole lot more, The Barn is a tad overwhelming if you're trying to find something specific. I quite like a challenge (most of the time), but since it was wet and I was carting half of Donaghadee's shops around with me (it certainly felt that way), I was pretty fed up and didn't exactly feel like having to dig too much. Plus, I was totally aware of my being ever so slightly clumsy at the best of times, and not wanting to end up paying through the nose for breakages etc., I decided to look and not touch. That was until I spotted a cute cat tea towel, and instantly knew my mum would love it. Managing (somehow) to pick it up off the rail, I admired the pattern whilst hunting for the price. Ah, yes there it was...£5.95?! Heavens above. Maybe I'm a bit stingy, but I certainly wasn't paying that for a tea towel. Not a chance. Everything else seemed to be slightly pricier than I'd first thought, right down to the scented candles which started at £2. At this stage, I realised there were three likely-things-to-happen: 1) I knock something over. 2) I buy something. 3) I leave. The latter being the cheapest option meant it was instantly favoured (not flavoured, that's an entirely different thing altogether). I'm much too poor for such shops. Nice stock though...

The Range is fab. On the site of old B&Q it has ample free car parking. Inside you can get…read moreeverything, from furnishings, to Christmas secs, luggage to toiletries, nick backs to diy and there is a cafe at the back

Yessssssssss!!!! I love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally just what Ballymena needs!!!!!!!!!!!! But one of…read morethe employees keeps 'rapping' and it puts me off sometimes going in..... terrible costumer service from him too he just shrugs his shoulders

Staff are extremely helpful and amiable in Hawthorne's plus prices are reasonable for such good…read morequality furniture. There's nothing flat pack in this store as Hawthorne's is a proper furniture store. They offer free delivery around the Armagh area and sell a wide range of stock including beds, wardrobes, sofas, dining tables, carpets and wooden flooring etc. If you want robust, traditional style, high quality furniture, this is place to visit.

Martha's provides an interior design service for people with plenty of cash but no style or time…read morebut what draws me in are the exquisite home accessories. Think napkin rings, mugs and storage baskets that you just cannot live without. Ditto cushions, place mats and table cloths. I simply don't know how I managed before I got my blue checked table cloth and napkins. What was I thinking? This is the kind of place where you buy yourself the occasional treat and get gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Mostly for ladies it has to be said, unless you know any men with a taste for matching table linen. And lucky you, as they sound like fun. The costume jewellery is also worth a mention - lots of chunky silver(ish) necklaces and bracelets at reasonable prices - around £30 for a long chunky necklace. There's a café upstairs which is on my list of places to go. I didn't make it upstairs on my last visit but the smells wafting downstairs were enough to convince me that it's gonna be good!

Homebase is an excellent store for DIY, decorating, lighting, home, gardening, bathroom/kitchen…read morefurniture and accessories. I'm definitely not a DIY, gardening or domestic type person - in fact I positively hate such things! That as it may be, I actually enjoy a (rare) visit to Homebase. I love that this particular store is large, but not huge enough to be bewildering, as some massive DIY Stores are. Staff are very helpful. On a recent trip to pick up padlocks and outdoor security light bulbs I located staff immediately and they assisted me in finding the items I needed. Often I just pop in and out of Homebase quickly to grab what I need. Sometimes however, I do like to have a browse amongst the flowers, plants and garden furniture. This store is always my first choice for all my DIY needs.

There collection of neon paint and cheap wood is what I visit for. This one is a bit isolated, but…read moregreat parking and close to other shops to finish off your shopping after grabbing your neon paints and hula hoops. They have a little toy section to keep kids entertained. The pricing is good, nothing is too expensive and things are of a good quality. If you're looking paints wood, door knobs or plants go here.