Whilst the idea that your beautiful children aren't enough just by themselves and now have to be…read moredraped with adequate 'baubling' to be considered true accessories, I know you kids are going to do it anyway so I'd rather you do it here where I know your safe. Funky Totz, though an ominous glimpse of how your children will spell things in the fyootcha if the Pussycat Dolls get their way, is a purveyor of some really fun fashion for your little nippers. Largely imported from the USA the range of stock will have the air's to your estate looking like Sid & Nancy in no time- bless.

Funky totz can be found inside Afflecks Palace and sels alternative clothes for babies and…read moretoddlers. If your not happy with buying your kids the same old stuff from next or mothercare here is a place you can find something really original, different and unique. If your not a parent just yet (like moi) this place is great if your wanting to spoil you niece /nephew /godchildren etc. As long as the parents of the child in mind are not completely mainstream and little number from here will get you lots of brownie points.

The place feels like it has got left behind. I prefer the Trafford Centre or Liverpool ONE.read more

Over priced £1 for pva glue what on earth caused such money…read moregreed not to mention is maze like structure and the so called reusable bags that I'm sure are recycled condoms

decent "basic" fashion store that offers enough choiceread more

This store really has improved with its refurb becoming a modern store which also houses a barbers,…read morerestaurant, Costa Coffee and Paperchase. While I so feel much of there fashion is catered to a more older market and the staff could be a little more helpful, I do still feel this is becoming one of the better stores within the Manchester Arndale to warrant an upgraded rating as it is one of my favourite stores within the Next chain. 4*

Remember that scene in Fight Club where Tyler Durden makes a frantic speech about advertising,…read moreconsumerism and branding? Well, whenever I walk past Next's flagship store in central Manchester I imagine him ranting and chuckle out loud. It's not that Next is worse than other global brands, it's that this gigantic shop aims to sell everything idyllic couples and families could need from beds, comforters and lamps to dining tables, chairs, sofas and rugs. The majority of it looks bland and forgettable but the fact it's in neutral colours and restrained patterns means it probably flies out of the store. For those desperate to buy into the whole Next brand / lifestyle, there's also two floors devoted to casual, smart and evening womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. If I was the kind of girl that looked at catalogues and imagined buying a matching dress and kitchenware, I'd probably enjoy shopping here. As it is, I find it a soul-less and ungratifying experience. To paraphrase Tyler: "I say never be complete, I say stop being perfect, I say....let the chips fall where they may."

A note to parents across the globe: Don't do it!…read more It's not that I have something against soft toys and cuddly bears - it's that Disney do everything they can to promote shitty gender stereotypes. Walk round this store and you'll see exactly what I mean. On one wall, there's dozens of pastel and bright pink costumes, fairy wings, crowns and little princess style accessories for girls. On the other, there's Superhero costumes, plastic swords and cowboy and astronaut figures for boys. Just think about the message this is sending to kids about and what defines them and what they should aspire to be when they grow up. Pretty lame, isn't it? To borrow a triusm from the American artist Jenny Holzer: Raise boys and girls the same way.

Whenever I get broody, I pop into the Disney Store to remind me how useful birth control is…read more Because while one day I can imagine myself with a couple of anklebiters, being bewildered by the likes of Hannah Montana and High School Musical means I'm not quite ready yet. What is it with kids and cheesy musical numbers sung by squeaky teenagers these days anyway? The Disney Store is a bit of a misleading name... I bought an ex partner of mine a gargantuan Tweety Pie mug from here once and Tweety's not been seen near a Disney character since Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Gosh what a great film. Anyway while you'll find plenty of little trinkets bearing the image of your favourite classic Looney Tunes and Disney characters, upstairs is reserved for the baffling likes of Camp Rock and their ilk. Backpacks, dolls, clothing - this is a store where pester power is king, so be warned. Without a doubt, one for Christmas shopping FOR a specific child rather than taking said child. If you ever want to watch a tantrum or two for a laugh, it's worth popping in here.

Daisy and Tom is a lovely 'nursery/children's ' store for parents to be and already parents alike…read more It stocks clothing, footwear, toys and prams etc with eye catching professional displays and very knowledgeable staff. Children are encouraged to play, there is even a free carousel which operates several times a day plus a playhouse, pirate ship and play train so it's very hands on and excitable for children who may have otherwise been very bored shopping with mum and dad!. A cafe sells a wide variety of food and if you eat there, kids get a fifteen minute free ticket for the play area so it all seems pretty fair, though trying to extricate your child without a tantrum from this play area after 15 minutes may be a bit of a challenge, i don't blame them really though even i'd like to play there! This store really has thought of everything, they have a floor dedicated to clothing and to fancy dress even incorporating a childs hair salon! Granted this isn't at all the cheapest or affordable store around, but what they do have is a whole 'experience' to offer you and quality.

Credit must go to the store for trying to improve, while it isn't the largest Primark anymore with…read morethat title being held by their Birmingham location, they have begun to expand and now offer a Friends themed cafe, Harry Potter section and a Mills Barbers (Pretty poor service there, but one of the cheaper cuts in town). The main emphasis remains clothes. While it still seems like a never-ending, busy hell-hole most of the time, especially at weekends, if you go outside of peak times it is bearable, it is also located in a nice, large building opposite Market Street. Service is meh in general but if you're willing to brace it, it offers mediocre cheap clothes and as far as Primark locations go it is A-OK but it wouldn't be my first choice for fashion in Manchester. 3*

A great place for low cost items. The only setback is the obligatory 15 minute wait in the checkout…read morequeue !