Other people here have mentioned the hardware store on one side (they mix Dulux paint which is very…read morehandy by the way) but I just want to mention the garden centre which is on the separate building across the pedestrian/cycle path (which reminds me - do note the different coloured bricks and cycle images on the floor and watch out for cycles). The garden centre is pretty well stocked for peripherals, but also has a nice selection of instant colour seasonal plants as well as some fruit and herbs for kitchen gardens. Their willows and topiary are a bit old fashioned and I would recommend going to a specialist nursery for trees (try Chew Valley Trees) but this is great for a gardening hit in town.

This sprawling department store feels like one giant throwback to the 1970s. The design is dowdy,…read morecome here after going to Ikea for a real shock. You'll hear very British muzak plays over the speakers, interrupted occasionally by an announce who kindly reminds you to validate your parking when paying for your goods. Quaint to the point of being weird, and also almost always completely empty. Enough of analysis of the style of the shop, I should probably tell you if it's any good. There are sections for homeware and DIY, as well as a garden centre. You can get more or less anything for the home, a few things you didn't know you needed, and a few things no-one would ever need. There's an entire row of various things for your milkman to leave the milk in, to give you an idea of the range. It's not that cheap unfortunately. I think all there costs must go on the staff (who are very helpful), of which there seem to be a greater number than there are customers most of the time.

This Robert Dyas, located in the Galleries, is where I always end up coming whenever a fuse blows,…read moremy toaster dies or my very last light bulb gives out. It's not what I would call a particularly fun shopping experience, but it does the job and I don't think I've ever come out of this place empty handed. They've got pretty much everything you could wish for in terms of household necessities in this store and the staff are very helpful when it comes to helping you find what you're after. It's not the cheapest of places - if you shop around a bit I'm sure you could find yourself a better bargain for some items at Wilkinsons or Argos, but if you don't fancy spending your entire Saturday morning shopping for a new vegetable steamer/hoover/junior hacksaw, then head to Robert Dyas. You should find everything you're looking for within a matter of minutes.

A great place to find some hard to find cleaning items. They sell some very cheap mops, and also…read moresell alot of kitchen items, such as toasters, kettles and grills. Definitely a good place to shop. Staff are friendly,a nd alwasy pleased to help a confused customer.