Dreadful company. Zero Customer Service…read more They sent me a £150 garden storage box that was so badly damaged it is unusable. I asked for a return - they refused because of their 28 day policy - I told them I don't want a return, I want a refund under the Sale Of Goods Act because the item was faulty. They refused and ended the webchat. There is no phone number to speak to them - the number on Google just rings and rings and no-one answers - rang weekday at 1pm - phone rang solidly for 10 minutes without answer. Do Not Use. They actually deserve minus 5 stars.

House of Fraser is a brand I've visited many times recently, mainly at my local Manchester store…read morelocated on Deansgate, that store basically is everything that this branch in Leeds is not, large and spacious, with the Manchester branch spanning across 6 floors and having more room across those floors for an enjoyable shopping experience, meanwhile this branch just feels rather unwelcoming and cramped. Unlike many branches of House of Fraser (HOF), this store doesn't really have much of an impressive feel to it, which is a shame. The selection of fragrances here seemed good, prices seemed competitive but there didn't seem to be any offers on, I did like how they had all the bottles in one area so you could spray them yourself, without different stands such as one for Armani and one for Hugo Boss, which in a way was okay as it made it easier to view a slightly limited selection of fragrances they had in store, however an issue was the mixing of male and female as there was about two female perfumes in the male fragrance section, luckily I spoke French and was able to read the bottle before disaster struck! The staff here seemed okay, they didn't seem too friendly, they seemed slightly helpful, perhaps average at best, yet slightly impersonal. I really didn't like this store mainly down to it feeling small and cramped compared to other stores, yet still this is a nice brand for a city like Leeds to have, and there is reasoning for this place not to warrant a single one-star rating, so I feel House of Fraser in Leeds deserves a slightly generous two-star rating.

Debenhams is one of the many department stores in such a small area of Leeds city centre on…read moreBriggate which includes the likes of House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols, this is a rather unique branch for Debenhams as it doesn't follow the original branding in all aspects of the store, with it being so close to the old part of Victoria Leeds and many stores from designer brands to department stores and even a Starbucks having a victorian name-sign, this was no different. I like how they had a direct lift from outside the store going out to the cafe, although it looked more like a service entrance - this was one of the easier ways in, saving time too especially if you just wanted a seat with food or a beverage. Pretty much your average Debenhams in terms of offerings, although the toilets could have been in a better position and more clearly labelled, staff again were average. It is over multiple floors, as I recall there are three or four floors with Click and Collect on the top floor, another idea I don't like as I believe Click and Collect should be quick, it feels like this way they're punishing online shoppers by making them go through the store, possibly hoping they buy more. Still a decent store by Debenhams standards in a good, central location, I also like how this store tries to be slightly unique compared to other stores, but still, it remains pretty much average - with some flaws such as the service not matching a traditional British department store, and the location of Click and Collect, and perhaps a lack of a food and technology section especially compared to other department stores nearby. Slightly generous three-star rating as this store is bold, unique and stands out and inside, pretty much average, albeit above average for Debenhams, who tend to have some pretty old and terrible stores across the UK.

So, I was on a seemingly never ending search for a bridesmaid dress. You've probably heard me…read moremoaning about it, and if not before, you have now as you're reading this. Yes, it seemed an impossible endeavour to seek out the perfect vintage style deep purple, slightly plum, bridesmaid dress. That was, until I found the concession within Debenhams, Debut. For starters, all the dresses on this concession were lovely. All in beautiful silks, tailored for the most part from the empire line which is always flattering, and they were in a variety of classic colours. They had deep red, turquoise, deep navy, ivory, forest green and my beloved purple! I immediately rummaged for the sleeveless maxi in my size. To my delight it was there! I took the dress, and a couple of others for good measure, to the fitting rooms and had a try. Fantastically, as I was browsing solo, the staff were incredibly helpful and gave me a ton of advice - including a hand with the zips! I explained the situation regarding my sister's wedding and they advised accordingly, not once pressuring me to purchase, but assuring me that the fit and look were perfect. Happy days! I was able to put the dress by so that I could come back and confirm with a friend later in the week, which I did, and so purchased the most lovely deep purple maxi silk bridesmaid dress you could ever find. Woo hoo! I shall go to the ball. I was really pleased with the service and the price, at £110, was a lot less than I had expected to have to fork out for such a lovely garment. So, if you're on a similar quest, my advice is try Debut. I'm going to glitz mine up with a home-made fascinator and such, so as to make it my own, but for the most part this dress will speak for itself.

I'm really spoilt for choice where I live for shopping…read more My house sits more or less in the middle of a triangle which encompasses the 'big 3' supermarkets- Asda.Tesco & Salisbury's and I work just around the corner from a Morrison's so I'm quite a savvy shopper. My local Aldi has been open for about a year in which time I have probably been in twice a week- every week. It's very handy to access, the car park is sufficiently sized for the store and i wont tell a lie- I find it cheaper than most other places I occasionally shop at. I used to go out of my way to visit the Meanwood store and increasingly so when Waitrose was opened across from it as it's a great place to find random bargains as well as your staple goods. It always used to hold the air that you couldn't do a 'full shop' there due to the limited product choice yet over the last few months I have used another supermarket only a few times V's getting all I need @ Aldi. The veg is usually all UK produce which I love, the meat is in better size packs than other supermarkets (and I have been reliably informed it comes from the same supplier as Salisbury's), the bread choice is ever expanding, there cheeses are better than the big 4 and overall, the prices are significantly less. As I mentioned, there are also random 'special buys' featured in the weekly mag on sale from either a Thursday or Sunday which have included award winning wines & champagnes, flavours of the month from Greece/France/Germany/USA/Italy/Spain, excellent gardening equipment and tools and much more. And there is a 'super 6' offer each week when 6 items of fruit or veg are priced @ 69p or 39p!!!!! If you've never been, try it! Don't expect the same service as in other stores as you have to take your own bags and they are quick in getting your goods through the till (sometimes they put the shopping off the conveyor into your trolley so you have to go to the side & pack) but don't let this put you off- for the saving & the quality of goods you get it is worth the sacrifice of free bags and dilly dallying staff!

I have to say, although having only been the once, I was instantly a fan of this fabulous shop…read more Along every wall you'll spot home made trinkets, specially crafted delights, and lovingly crafted goodies that appeal to a wide range of tastes. It's a pure treasure trove of locally crafted art work, paintings, crochet, knitting, jewellery, decorative pieces, hand bags, furniture and more. Each section has its own personality, and the shop shines as a haven of talent, made up of the various creative items displayed within. I realise this perhaps speaks to those who enjoy pretty things a little more than those who don't, but I'd whole heartedly recommend anyone wander in and take a good long browes - be it for gift shopping, inspiration, or simply to marvel at what can be created by our local talent. What's more, Fabrication hold regular classes, including sewing lessons, crochet and more. I've intended upon taking a class for some time, but haven't found the time, although I've heard some very good reports from folks I know who've partaken. Essentially, I've wanted to learn how to sew for a while, since it's one of the many talents my mother has that I didn't take advantage of whilst at home, and would love to see if I can continue the trend. I won't make a promise here in writing, but watch this space. I may be a dressmaker yet! The real lesson here? Visit this place now. Visit, get your creativity flowing, and support the local scene!

What great shop. Selling goods from local artists. I bought several cards from the hilarious…read moreRubbish Seaside section as well as a few Leeds Brudenell Social Club cards by Richard Heald. The Brudenell is one of the best music venues I have ever been to. Nice way to commemorate my love of it by framing these cards. Staff were very friendly as well. A must visit each time I am in Leeds.

A pretty average Marks and Spencer store, located on Briggate and serving Leeds city centre, sadly…read morethis store still has the older style layout, despite being a pretty busy location in a large city, it hasn't received the newly refurbished layout we've seen in other stores such as Meadowhall, Sheffield and Manchester. My main reason for visiting the store was to visit the Food Hall, this is located on the lower level, I do think the layout again could have been made much cleaner and simpler, compared to other Marks and Spencer stores but they did have a good product selection for a store of its' size. The staff members seemed friendly and happy to help, unfortunately, this store does not have car-parking, a cafe or an optician, which again is disappointing as the facilities do lack compared to other large stores in similarly-sized cities. 3*

Marks & Spencer seems to really be trying to push itself to the forefront of fashion and trying to…read moreappeal to a wider audience. You only have to see the TV adverts to realise this. The store on Briggate does stock the usual older fashioned style blouses and knitwear but have now intrduced even more up and coming designs to their Per Una range. This store also has a large cafe and a huge food supermarket downstairs so you can pretty much do your weekly food shop here and pick up some nice bits and pieces. I really don't like the layout of the store and feel that they need to change the decor inside to keep up with the new attidue they have. It looks a little drab. But anyway, it's well stocked and that's the main point!

Three floors of vintage and independent designers' goods, sourced with love and enthusiasm by the…read moreowner. The ground floor hosts Bird Shell, vintage evening wear and day wear from all over the world, all with a special something. Also on the ground floor are independent designers with separate booths. Currently in the shop are - Ringlit - Beth Hirst Couture - Zinc White - Kitsch-ina - One 4 Sorrow - Fetasia Latex - Phich - Maus Haus - Dinky Pretty Things - Amy Panda - Anna and Jonah - Hipper than Hip - Paul Tipper - Bee Anchor - Perfectly Imperfect - Millaeflorae On the first floor you'll find : Kee's Boutique, vintage clothing and handmade clothing using vintage fabrics and patterns. Life's Big Canvas - kitsch and recycled jewellery, paintings and handsewn monsters Indie Cindy - a collection of the best independent design from around the UK, incluidng Kitschen Sink. Parlour Millinery - hand crafted hats and fascinators, as well as children's clothing On the top floor: Afro Euro Salon - hairdresser specialising in hair extensions, weaves and wigs Lisa Jayne Dann Boutique - high end independent designer I'm sure you'll agree there's something for everyone there. Go and have a look round, and I'm sure, like me, you'll stay for hours.

This branch of Wilko is their main branch serving Leeds city centre, located fairly close to…read moreTrinity Leeds at the bottom of Albion Street, opposite Hotel Chocolat and a fairly short walk away from Leeds Station. The store is a decent size, yet it doesn't seem as modern as one would expect compared to other Wilko branches serving large towns including branches in the likes of Sheffield and Manchester for example. The product range is okay, although the entrance into the store is a little weird, being split into two, one is probably the most unwelcoming automatic door I've experienced, it just feels like you're walking into a budget supermarket, and the other is a small set of stairs. A decent product range for a store of its' size and what one would generally expect from a Wilko location, still the store could be more bold, modern and stand out more especially in such a central location, it's so easy to just walk past and disregard this store as irrelevant so improvement on that basis is needed. 2*

This lovely ladies-wear shop situated just five minutes or so from the Cross Gates arcade shopping…read morecentre. I discovered it on a recent outing to Cross Gates, having heard about the arcade here I decided to check it out. I had some time to wander around and so stumbled across this little store. As soon as I wandered in I realised that the clothes weren't particularly suited to me, but this isn't a criticism. It's just that the fashion inside is very much suited to a more mature lady. They had some lovely dresses and jackets to make up the perfect 'mother-of-the-bride' style outfits, all priced in the region of £150, and lots of accessories. They had some Radley bags, lovely knit cardigans, little shrugs, vintage rose style clutch purses and much more! There was even a very reasonable £10 and under sale rack which had quite a lot of items on it. One of the best bits about this lovely shop however is the welcome. As soon as I wandered in the two ladies who were serving greeted me with some really friendly banter - one of the ladies asked me about my camera which was hanging from my neck. She asked me what I liked to photograph and so I told her I liked taking portraits, to which she responded - "I've a friend who likes photographing the ups vans." I smiled, not knowing what 'ups' was, and she explained - "You know, the parcel delivery guys - ups vans!" I smiled, getting it and said, "Oh! You mean the UPS vans! I see. How strange!" She agreed with the classic - "Well, you know what they say, there's nowt as queer as folk!" And we had a right laugh about her friend and her ups/UPS obsession. They didn't once go for any kind of hard sell, it was completely relaxed and friendly, and a totally lovely experience. I didn't buy anything, of course, but I shall certainly be recommending it to any friends/colleagues who are in need of something nice and occasional. Lovely!

I 1st visited Joans's last year, when searching for an outfit for a special party. Although I…read morefound many of the items in the shop over my budget, I managed to find 1 dress which was reduced to just £20. I am very conscious about my 'slightly larger' size so didn't feel too confident about buying however, both my sister who was with me at the time & the assistant commented it really suited me. I bought the dress (a very ritzy style) as I love glamourous dressing!. at the party I received so many positive comments on how amazing I looked. That was the 1st time for years I have worn a dress so 'thank you' Joan's for boosting my confidence. It will now be my regular shop when I am in need of a special outfit. I have actually seen another dress there this week, for a very bargain price of £10!!! I am aiming to go back for it.