The hardware store GT Blagg, a West Didsbury institution, is an amazing local gem. They offer a…read morehuge range of products, and the owners are incredibly helpful and absolutely lovely - they've just helped me this afternoon with a bearing I desperately needed for my wheelchair, taking time to ensure it was the right fit. Their patience, knowledge and expertise is invaluable, and they've very kind. Thank you!

There's something about hardware stores. I'll never have any use for the majority of goods they…read moresell but I love browsing and always manage to come away with something useful. GT Blagg has been around since 1871. It supplies the usual hardware staples, tools, nails, a range of items I'll refer loosely as 'things to mend stuff with' and various cleaning products. And then there are wellies, brooms, flower and vegetable seeds and bedding plants. There's an electrical section too with plugs and extension leads and also toasters and kettles. They also sell calor gas, smoke free coal and kindling. True to form I came away with a new mop and mop bucket.

Forget B&Q, Ali's DIY shop is amazing and should be your first point of call for getting nails,…read morelightbulbs, a hammer, or whatever random piece of DIY equipment that you actually need. This place is packed to rafters with stock, and it's all reasonably priced. The customer service is great. I'm not sure if the guy serving was actually the famous Ali, but I hope he was because he was mega friendly, smiley and chatty. I love a good bot of pleasant customer service for a change. Keep things local. Next time you think about driving to B&Q, just go to Ali's instead. He'll sort you out and he'll do it with a smile on his face too.

Ali's Diy is your one stop shop for everything to do with diy, before you go to BnQ I recommend you…read morego here, the rates are very reasonable and he is very friendly. Trust me when I say I think that this shop was the reason they created the phrase 'don't judge a book by it's cover'. It is packed with everything you could ever want.

great service from Shofiq what a great guy This is going…read moreto be my regular place. I suggest you give them a try

This place is an Alladin's cave for all DIY'ers. Not saying I'm much of a DIY'er myself, but I do…read morelike buying my own materials and getting someone else to do the work.. And that requires looking for bargain stores such as this. The range of products on offer is quite generous both in quantity and economically. You've probably driven past this on Stockport road and dismissed it for its underwhelming front of house Aesthetic. (The big shop sign currently reads Ever..) But don't be fooled by appearances this place is misleadingly HUGE once you're inside. They sell everything from timber for your gardening needs to cheap bathroom units incase your bathtub collapses for whatever adventurous reason (using it as a stepping stool while tiling?) The service is what I come here for though. And I'm not talking about cheesy smiles and being asked about your health every two seconds. (Yes, for the umpteenth time, I'm ok really!!)It's very direct and to the point! So just tell them EXACTLY what you're dilemma is and they'll help you find the most innovative and cheapest way to solve your problem! The staff are DIY'ers which explains it all. This review is bring written on the go on my mobile so apologies for the lack of substantial body of text. So just take it from me and have a cheeky window shop if you're renovating in the near future! It's not that big a climb!

Yet another shop in Levenshulme that is painted bright yellow! I just don't get it. Well I do…read morereally. It is quite eye-catching. But it's also very yellow! Pound Choice Plus is yet another one of those mega cheap shops that sells random tat. Half of which is mega useful and cheap. The other half of which is totally pointless but also cheap. This shop has all of the important useful stuff, like piles of cheap loo roll, washing powder, cosmetics and tools. The shop is light and airy too, which is a welcome change to other dingy pound stores. What I always love about these places is that there are some hidden gems to be found that almost make you laugh out loud. My personal favourite in Pound Choice Plus is the "Elegant Drinking Glass Chess Set." Which now I think about it could actually become an amazing drinking game. Hold on, I think I'm going to back and buy the thing.