Bizarre shop. Bizarre location. You wouldn't think there'd be such a thing as an "Anniesland…read moreinstitution", but there is, and Catani is it. Selling a little bit of this and little bit of that, it's hard to pigeonhole this long running business. Broadly speaking it's a hardware shop, but like many Glaswegian takes on this idea, it also stocks, well, just about everything you may need only once in your life but can't get anywhere else. This, however, is the top of the bunch, with larger premises than most of the others and very friendly staff to boot.

I lived across the road from this jumbled-up looking store and for a while didn't really have a…read moreclue what kind of shop it was. I'm still not 100% sure except that I know it's a pretty darn good one. One of the first things a friend said to me when I first moved into the area was "Have you been in Catani's? It sells everything." I was intrigued. Sure enough, when I checked it out with another friend who was taking his laptop upstairs to Mercury Computing I was amazed by the bizarre but wonderful stock - full of gadgets and gizmos. If they don't have what you're looking for they will be sure to track it down for you. A true treasure trove!

One of the few small independent hardware shops remaining in Glasgow, this is a great place to pick…read moreup the more common kitchen essentials or DIY widgets. I love wandering around hardware stores in a kind of meditative state, just looking at the range of things and wondering to what other creative uses they could be put (maybe it's a guy thing?). It's not often I get the chance to do that in here as the place is jam-packed from floor to ceiling with all sorts of stuff, so if you're in a hurry or if there's more than one other person in this rather cramped shop, you'd be quicker just to ask them if they have your particular item in stock. Usually they do.

This great little family business is situated on Dumbarton Road not far from the Tesco Express…read more There have been two occasions when I've headed to this shop - and both times it has met my needs perfectly. The first time, I was after a hammer - which I found quickly and cheaply here. The second - I was in the market for some fairy lights for my Christmas tree - which again were easy to find and cheap. They even tested them for me in the shop to make sure they worked properly. As well as having the usual hardware store produce (you know, hammers and nails and such DIY tools) this shop also sells homeware bits and pieces and seasonal produce. At the moment they are decked to the halls with Christmas decorations, including a massive array of lights. Every time I've been in here I've had great service, and the guys who run it have helped me find what I'm looking for. Be aware that they don't take cards, though, so you may need to do a quick dash across the road to the cash-point.

Really nice proprietor! Has a variety if handy tools especially if you are moving into university!read more

Do you need something practical for your home? Do you need a filler, dieing for a screw or in need…read moreof a big old hammer??? Well this my filthy minded reader this is the place for all your hardware needs. Nestled on Great Western Road this wee shop is a fantastic emporium of all things handy. Filled to the very brim with all that you would imagine of a place like this and more, i really cant be any more enthusiastic about this place. Having lived in this general area for the last 5 -6 years, this has always been my first stop when i have the "eh....is that broken?" moment. With a remedy for my home ailment usually in stock and a helpfull handy owner always willing to offer help and assistance a the drop of a hardhat (boom, boom!!), the West End Hardware is the finest of place to be....... West End Hardware, it does exactly what it says on the...eh, sign.

Pricebusters on Dumbarton Road is the kind of eclectic hardware shops that you imagine must have…read morebeen there since, well, forever. The pavement outside the store is lined with stack boxes of various sizes, old-lady-style shopping trolleys and plastic flowers, among many, many other things. Once inside, believe me when I say that you won't know where to start. It's the kind of shop that stocks everything - but you'll still have to have hawk-like vision to be able to track down what it is that you went in there for. In fact, despite the over flowing shelves packed with crockery, tools, paint, wool, toys, light fittings, kitchen implements etc etc etc - I could really only focus on the ceiling. Why? Because it's weird. It's covered in plaster spikes with purple ends. I think you really need to see it for yourself. They were also playing a CD of Abba's greatest hits. This may attract you, or it may repel you. I'll let you make up your own mind.

Despite resembling yet another chaotic and unnavigable junk shop from the outside, Pricebusters is…read moreactually one of my favourite businesses in the area. Indeed you get the impression a bit of thought has gone into the nick nacks they sell. Instead of being a randomly assembled collection of disco balls, dog toys and Hannah Montana pencil cases, this place stocks genuinely useful item - plug adapters, USB cables, TV aerials, paint brushes etc... It's also done in a, relatively speaking, orderly fashion and you will find staff to be extremely helpful. This business has been on Dumbarton Road for a very long time and it's easy to see why. Two thumbs up.

Once again the Emporium does not disappoint I ask for Coat Hooks and they show me little tiny…read morehooks, no says the more Mature Lady this is what the Customer wants Robe Hooks, well who new, all kinds of varieties are shown to me I opt for Octopus type four hooks on two , hooks if you know what I mean for £2.99 can't beat it . Next I need a Draught Excluder brass or chrome, chrome please to match the Octopus hooks and the Yale lock that I bought from you last week, that is £1.99 what a bargain it comes with four screws. Wait a minute what if it is two long I forgot to bring my Hacksaw and I am heading straight to my Sons who's Hall I am decorating by the way, no worries says the young whipper snapper we have one here for £1.30 it is a done deal I do not have to got back home. All of these goodies for £6.28 and I did not have to trail half way across the City to one of our biggest DIY outlets. The irony is that when I get there the Draught Excluder fits perfectly, any one want a small Hacksaw?

A throwback possibly to the past but in a good way , nothing is prepackaged , helpful staff who…read moretake as long as it takes even if your only in to buy a fuse or a light bulb , there doesn't appear to be anything they don't stock (albeit it may be stashed away at the back of the shop on the top shelf) Great service , great prices from folk who've spent a lifetime delivering friendly decent advice and help to Joe public . Love this place

As paint shops go, this is a great paint shop. If you're looking for fancy pants paint (or probably…read moreany sort of paint really), it is worth going in here before you go to any of the big DIY stores. It mostly seems set up for trade, but obviously general punters can go in too. The day we were there, as we were leaving, the chap had just pulled down the shutters and was standing outside in the street when a girl came running up, and looked devastated that he was closing. He asked her what she was looking for, and when she answered 'white emulsion' the guy said OK, give me a minute, and went back inside to get some for her. How nice is that! We went in to look for Farrow & Ball testers (I know, proper fancy pants paint!) and had a good chat with the man about paint quality and colours and such. But what pleases me most about this place and the guy who runs it, is that the shop used to be located on Old Dumbarton Road, in a unit that has now been converted into a residential flat, and is the flat that I actually live in! So we had a very interesting chat about how our flat used to look - the counter was in the living room where our couch is, the paint samples were were the telly is, and the mixing area was where the kitchen now is. I realise that this means absolutely hee-haw to anyone other than me, and is therefore completely useless information to put in a review, but I guess my point is that South West Paints is a proper local shop with a long history in the area, and I think it's worth supporting that sort of business.

Such a great shop. The owner obviously knows his stuff and is happy to advise. No fuss - just…read moretells you what you need and how you could do the job; but doesn't mind if you choose something different. Excellent stock and everything you need in terms of equipment too. And 30 minute free parking outside - rarity. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

The best hardware shop ever!…read more Every time I've been in there I've come out with exactly what I wanted, from plate hooks, to a saw, to a mop, to a bath plug, to navy Dylon. Everything is pretty jumbled (which I like, for a rummage) but if you're needing any help then the service is spot on - so far the wonderful woman has known exactly where every item I've asked for is. The best bit about the shop though is the good natter that you always get. I love it! Every neighbourhood should have a shop like this and every neighbour should shop at a shop like this.

Terrible store for key cutting. I recommend to go to "West End Hardware" on great western road…read moretowards the botanic gardens. Store is only around a 5 min walk from here. At West End Hardware keys were cut much more quickly and were cheaper than GLR.

Seller took excessive amount from my refund money so was left out of pocket by nearly £15 for a £50…read moreitem. You would do better using one of the more reputable tool shops rather than this bunch, unless you like throwing money away.

Item arrived very late. They refused to compensate me…read more Do not touch a company that can't compensate in such situations.

I guess hardware is the best classification for this shop, although it also sells an array of…read morerandom stuff too wide to classify. Paints, rugs, wallpaper, lamps and smaller items like tools, nails, screws and other stuff in that vein are all present, mostly along the left of the shop. On the other side, kitchen utensils, toys and a small selection of stationery is stocked. Stu became rather enamoured with a pair of John Lennon glasses, which he wore all around the shop, and then didn't buy. Nonetheless, the guy behind the counter was really friendly. He was telling me how the shop had just moved premises and seemed really proud of the change.