High fashion, which reminded me of Macy's or Sax's Fifth Avenue in the States. Lots of "famous"…read morename brand clothing at undiscounted prices for those who simply must wear whatever it is that's in season this season. Needless to say, that's not me. This store also has a furniture and housewares department with prices that just about gave me a nosebleed. But if that's you, this is your store. Ask about the personal shopper and the "gold shopper" lounge. Woo!

This is a great Debenhams.its massive, and really has everything you could hope for in a debenhams!…read more The staff are superhelpful, and when I recently went in to get some makeup needed to cover a blackeye(darn muggers!) for an interview, they were much nicer than the ladies in Boots in trying to help me find the best solution!

Just the same as "TJ Maxx" in the States, we have TK Maxx over here. They sell the same stuff, some…read moreoverpriced and some quite reasonable. I was able to pick up a jumper ('sweater' in American) and browse through some of the other menswear. Some fashionable, some quite picked over. There are also the usual other departments you would expect in a department store - shoes, women's clothing, boys and girls, gifts and housewares. Paying for your purchase is always a bit of a challenge, especially in a country that doesn't really have a service industry. A few tills ('registers'), but always a queue ('line'). There are a few good bargains here and there, but a lot of it is crap. It's all up to you and your fashion sense.

A few years ago you wouldn't have seen me dead in this place. However, I have to grudgingly admit…read morethat the range of clothing and household goods are staggering and the prices even more so. Be prepared to battle with every chav that Reading possesses as you wade through all the clothing chucked on the floor. And be prepared to queue for a very long time at the check-out. All said and done though, you will get some serious bargains here.

I've often found the Arcadia brands can be somewhat lacking in decent customer service. But, nine…read moretimes out of 10, Dorothy Perkins has really helpful staff who go out of their way to help you out. The store is fairly spacious, as are the changing rooms (if not exactly sparkling clean) The big downside to the DPs in the Oracle is that it has a really odd smell. I'm pretty sure this is down to its location near the back of the restaurants, so it gets that deep fat fried smell. Thankfully, it doesn't affect the actual clothes.

Sadly my wife's favourite shop in Henley, Anna's Wardrobe sells absolutely exquisite ladies…read moreclothing. Whilst I can't afford the regular prices, the seasonal sales are an absolute gold-mine. The proprietor is an absolute gem and always willing to help. If you want to earn some serious brownie points, then take your partner to this shop. Just remember to take your card too. Now closed.

Massive department store on Reading's high street, John Lewis has everything. No cheap knock-offs…read morehere, it's all name brands and it's all expensive. Similar in theme to Macy's or Dillard's or Bloomingdale's in the States, the John Lewis department store is carved up into various sections for menswear, ladieswear, boys, girls, housewares, electronics, jewelry, perfumes and more. Very good service, which is what you are paying for. The electronics department includes televisions, radios and computers, priced at what I think are above PC World and Argos prices. All that said, it's a lovely store and a pleasant shopping experience. If I ever win the lottery, this is where I will blow most of my winnings.

I like John Lewis and the Reading store is one of my favourite destinations…read more Until last Saturday when the shop staff made me feel like a criminal. I was looking at their Xmas decorations along with other shoppers. First I noticed one shop assistant shadowing my every step then i went to look at the table settings and another assistant tailing me again. I looked around several times at the other shoppers and none of them appeared to be receiving the same dogged attention. This continued even after I purchased some items and moved to the cooking utensils. As the only black female on the shop floor, I left the store feeling harassed and victimised. I am still upset reliving the horrible experience. I will not be visiting again for the foreseeable future.

This is the kind of clothing shop every woman wants…read more The staff are some of the most helpful I have seen in a long time. If you ask for a professional opinion on what size, shape or colour suits you these women know their stuff. They also seem to know every person in town by name and are incredibly cheerful. The clothes themselves are well stocked in sizes (which seems to be rare these days in most clothing stores) and made me wish I could spend more time trying things on. I can honestly say I left with a smile on my face, which means I will be back.

An allegedly contemporary ladies chain, I'd probably best describe this place as harmless…read more You won't look out of place in these clothes but, equally, you won't wake up in the morning thinking Cancel everything, I've got to get to Kaliko. The prices are reasonable for what you get, and the store is central to the town and of a decent size. Service is good and the staff all friendly. Just not our cup of tea.

Always worth a visit and their sales are fab. Be prepared to try everything on as some things look…read morea whole load better off the hanger.Always a safe bet for Regatta and festival.

I had such a great night recently at their pre-Christmas fun evening. There was bubbly on offer, a…read moreprize draw and 20% off. I wouldn't normally shop there as it's really expensive, but thought I'd give it a go. Really glad I did, got a lovely dress that I would never normally have picked up, but the staff working there just insisted I try it on as one of my many options. They weren't pushy at all though. I had loads of things and this was the least expensive and they said it looked great - didn't try to pressure me to buy the most expensive items. Recommend (but save up a little bit first)

Not a large store so doesn't always have everything you want. But I normally go in there to have a…read morelook, I often find something I will buy. Staff are very helpful. Can get crowded due to the size of the shop.