Argh, me and hardware stores really don't work well together, and you'll know that if you've read…read moreany of my reviews on the subject. They are super scary, intimidating shops for most females, and I am definitely no exception. At first glance, Geddis and McKee is a hardcore hardware shop. We're talking high vis jackets, huge manly boots, every nail / screw / whatever else men need that you could possibly think of. It almost screams "man" in a deep, threatening voice. And then I found some rubber gloves that my mum absolutely loves (I am a true rhyming master), and thought, 'huh, this shop isn't as tough as it first looks'. Selling ladies bright yellow rubber gloves is definitely a drop down a notch in the overall manly ratings. In fact, Geddis and McKee isn't as scary as I first thought. It has a whole load of household cleaners and the like, pet food and accessories and even a selection of confectionery. Mmm. Some might say it's almost ladylike. Almost.

Sampsons is one of those places that sort of sells everything. I once went in with a list of the…read moremost obscure stuff imaginable, I think the list included a 40 watt light bulb, some miracle grow, a poker and a bag of turf. Upon entrance the list was taken off me and low and behold within 1 minute all items were on the counter waiting for payment. This is the type of shop Sampsons is, no matter how odd the request they will have it. They are primarily a hardware store but they have recently diversified to the garden market and now offer potted plants and compost. Although on the downside I found the shop very confusing so if you do not know exactly what you are looking for it is best to ask. Sampsons is very reasonable in price and he will sometimes throw in a few extra bits and bobs if he thinks you need them. The only real alternative is Homebase or another big DIY specialist but if you are in the centre of town and you need something no matter how strange (I think they even do plastic spanners and left handed screw drivers) then Sampsons is the place to go.

This is one of the oldest shops in Bangor, it has to be. I have lived here all my life and I don't…read moreremember it not being here. It is based on Hamilton Road which means that it can be tough to get to because of the one-way system but if you park the car in the Asda Car Park it is only a wee hop, skip and a jump across the road so you should be ok. This place stocks everything from garden pots, tools, miracle gro, DIY tools, hammers, spanners, nuts, bolts, brushes, hoes, rakes and basically every type of hardware that you could possibly think of other than light firearms. The staff are knowlegeable and extremely helpful. Always polite and efficent, they make popping in here to pick something up a charm.

I have been to McParlands in Newry many times and always leave a very happy and satisfied customer…read more The service is always excellent and the banter in store is great for a laugh. They really have everything to suit your hardware and giftware needs. There is a vast stock with great prices and they have regular sales on their fantastic giftware stock. All members of staff are friendly, approachable and very helpful. Well worth a visit for that personal service that can be lost in the bigger retailers.

This shop really does sell everything!! Great for a day out because they have the coffee shop and…read moreother shops as well to keep you busy! Jackson's is always my first stop for birthday, Christmas and wedding presents! I always find their prices hard to beat as well! Hoping to get back soon to start my Christmas shopping!

From the owner: Our Departments include:…read more Hardware and Homeware Cooks Emporium Jacksons 38 Boutique Lifestyle Coffee Shop the Health Store Lifestyle Interiors We have many great brands across our stores including: Emma Bridgewater, Denby Stellar Le Creuset Nespresso DeWalt Karcher Stanley Toggi Geox A.Vogal Manuka Honey Soaked in Luxury Marco Tozzi Belleek Living Other services include key cutting, Colortrend Paint Mixing! These are just a select few brands across our departments. We would be delighted to welcome you into any of our stores. We aim to provide a really pleasant shopping experience with all the ingredients for a relaxing day, meeting friends or family. Our Lifestyle Coffee Shop is a great meeting place, with fresh scones, homemade traybakes, desserts, sandwiches, lunches and paninis! Hopefully see you soon!

McCune's is a well known DIY shop in Carrickfergus. This is one of the few shops in the town that…read morehas been 'part of the furniture' for as long as I can remember. They sell a range of wallpaper, paint, varnish, in fact, pretty much anything you would need for general DIY. Perfect for someone who has a quick job to do, and doesn't want the hassle of having to go all the way up to Newtownabbey to visit one of the larger DIY stores. They also sell a range of gardening items. As has already been mentioned, the staff are super helpful, especially for someone as clueless as me when I wanted to make my first attempt at wallpapering (it didn't work, but it wasn't due to ill advice, just my poor skills) In addition, McCune's is one of the few places locally that you can get a key cut, so if you ever need a spare key in a hurry, this is the place to go. Nice selection of keyrings too!

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.