You know how when you go to a department store and it's heaving with people (some of obviously…read moreill-er repute than others - get back in your box, peasant, and stop shopping in my Debenhams!), and everything's disorganised, and clothes have fallen to the ground, and the fluorescent lighting makes you look peaky, and the mirrors in the fitting rooms make you look fat, and - now that you mention it - why it is so fucking hot in this tiny cubicle and why does it smell like feet(?!), you have to remind yourself why you thought it was a good idea to shop in a department store in the first place? Well, Williams & Griffin is the exact opposite of that. It is pure class, people. With roots back to the 19th century (historical!) and awards like 'Best Independent Department Store of the Year' under its belt, Williams & Griffin is a cut above the rest. With attentive staff, spacious sales floors and well-selected merchandise (generally brands in the upper echelons of retail), it's always a pleasure to shop in. Definitely one of the premier shopping outlets in the area. If you're ever out in Colchester, it's certainly worth a mooch.

I seriously have to question what is the big deal with 'Williams & Griffin'???…read moreThe only reason you are forced into entering the building, is because on the surface, this great big department store (now owned by fenwicks chain) and due for expansion to almost double the size, seems to be the best that Colchester has to offer. And don't even get me started on the cost of the 'William & Griffin' car park........ £7.50 for three hours parking. EXTORTIONATE!! The women's 'Fashion' department if you can call it that, is dire. Same old stuff that you find up and down the country in every department store. And rails that are soooo crammed with stuff, which gives you no reason to even bother looking! It's NOT fashion, just boring, commercial, mass produced blandness. If you can be bothered, why not venture into the heart of the town centre, where small businesses are offering you something different and unique. Some people need educating into realising that the best stuff is in independent shops NOT boring department stores! On the plus side they always put alot of effort into their Xmas display window. My advise to anyone reading this, try venturing down lanes such as 'Lion walk', 'Trinity Street' or 'Sir Issacs Walk'. You will find hidden treasures. Small shops full of wonderful things and lovely customer service............ Come on everyone, support your independents!!!!

These sell very nice clothes for that special occasion but are quite expensive…read more The clothes are excellant quality and the staff very helpful in helping you with that special outfit whether for a wedding or another event. The changing rooms are very spacious and shop is very well laid out.

Popped in to buy a jacket in the sales, came out with two - both gorgeous!…read more Basically, if you have a formal social coming up and you're looking for co-ordinates, this is the place. Its all colour grouped like Monsoon, so you dont have to look round the entire shop. Full prices are not cheap, but if you're looking for classics and they have a really good 'petite' range. Have diarised the sale for next Spring. Will need to sharpen my elbows though as I understand it sells out pronto!

This is the most old fashioned department store in Chelmsford it is just a bit away from the very…read morecentre of town towards Moulsham Street. It is a bit of a maze inside with ladies clothes down stairs with concessions mainly catering for the more mature lady. The cook shop is now upstairs on the first floor this is great with hard to find cooking and baking stuff. Also on the first floor is the cafe/restaurant this is very nice and well spaced out the choices of food and drink could be a bit more varied but it usually all tastes nice. They also sell carpet, flooring, curtains and furniture.

Debenhams Colchester store is set out across three floors, with clothing, homewares, gifts and…read morecosmetics. For clothing, there is always a broad choice for men, women and children, although some lines are rather expected. Although this is to be expected of designer brands, some of Debenhams' 'own-brand' clothing (e.g. Red Herring and St George by Duffer) are sometimes extortionately priced. However, staff are nearly always helpful and, if you are so inclined, you can get advice of cosmetics in that department and make use of the free Personal Shopper service. Therefore, I am giving Debenhams Colchester four stars out of a possible five.

This store is set on 3 floors and seems to stock everything the well dressed home and person needs…read morewether it's new undies of new curtains! Loads of different designers offering something for everyone. There's no parking but they do have underground access if you need to collect something heavy.

Oldrids has been in Boston FOREVER. I can remember going to the cafe upstairs with my mum when I…read morewas little and having a ham roll and a glass of milk before spending my birthday money in the AMAZING toy department. Nowadays I'm not so much for the toys, more for the kitchen bit downstairs, which is excellent, and the perfume department. I went in a couple of weeks ago and had a look at some fancy shoes but the two women at the till there looked at me as though I was a bag lady and needed ejecting. I felt very, very uncomfortable. I think it was because I was wearing linen trousers and flip flops and my hair was a bit messy, but whatever it was, it was like that bit in Pretty Woman where the shoplady is mean to the prozzie. Anyway, Oldrids is a well stocked, well laid out department store, which on the whole is deserving of a visit if you're on a shopping trip and need some knickers or tights or makeup or perfume or a griddlepan, and don't mind paying a bit more for it, or if you just want a cup of coffee in a place where you can peek out over the main pedestrian bit and laugh at the chavs, but beware the grumpy staff is all I'll say. Just to clarify, I'm not a prostitute.

Great, spacious department store, with a lot of choice & a fantastic toy department…read more I haven't tried the restaurant, so can't comment on what has been written before! ;-) Very pricey for certain items, but well worth a visit (just make sure you check the price tag carefully before purchasing!)

Bougie department store that is like a marginally cheaper mini Harrods with a few good restaurants…read moreinside. We tried to get into the Seafood Restaurant as walk ins but no luck, which is a pity as the menu looks excellent, from fish pie to caviar, and of course champagne. It is obviously very popular. Next visit to Norwich ;) There is a large selection of UK and foreign goods in the food department, along with a counter full of delicacies to temp you. I stopped by a gin tasting booth and it was interesting to try the different flavoured gins being sold. I wish I had more time to browse, especially in the arts department. Definitely worth a gawk and sample if you are in Norwich.

I came here on 30 Dec. for a nice outfit, and Tim in the men's department was kind enough to help…read moreme find my size in trousers, especially since my usual size in the US is different from the UK/EU sizes. Thank you Tim! Also, the staff in the food hall and in the kitchenware department were great!

My monther in law likes this store so we normally buy chistmas presents for her from here…read more The store looks very fresh and inviting now due to a very major revamp. Now has a cafe upstairs, which is very spacious. They offer a free bra fitting service and the staff are only too happy to help. The clothes i find can be quite expensive, also some of the food items, but in their case you get what you pay for!!!!

The Marks & Spencers used to be the worst one I had ever seen - small and dinghy. However, it has…read morerecently been refurbished and they now have a cafe as well. Clothes tend to be a bit pricey but good quality - in the sales now they become a bargain. Food and wine is actually amazingly good. Admittedly it is not cheap but they often have offers on wine and the quality is definitely better than major supermarkets. I also like their fresh flowers although the choice in King's Lynn is not great. Staff are very friendly and helpful