Well I went to Marks and Spencers this week, to see the new store, I was not impressed at all,…read more Also sad to say a very poor choice for women for the summer season, l asked a sales woman where we're all the summer clothes such as dresses and lovely tops to which she replied we have not got the room to display a great choice..... Maybe if they cut down on the food area they would have.

What you expect is what you get at this small town branch of Marks & Spencer. Before the arrival of…read moreDebenhams this was THE department store in the town, but in the years since the towns shopping regeneration, this store seems to have failed to move with the times. Compared with other more up to date retailers, the range here seems mainly tired and old. Geared, in my opinion, towards the tastes of the older population, the clothing lines tend to lean towards the kinds of items that would appeal to pensioners and primarily sensible trousers, jumpers, skirts and blouses are the order of the day. There is a limited range of everything, but even the shop itself looks like it needs a good redecoration and re-organisation to show itself to its best advantage. On the other hand, it does have a location with its main entrance on the main shopping street and rear access from the beachside road.

If ever you're in Weymouth pop down to Ladybirds in St Alban Street. This place is a treat. Run by…read moreRoma Pye and her sister, Ladybirds is a dress agency but the personal touch here takes it a notch above the ordinary. Attracted by the belly dancing belts outside (a story for another time), I entered a cosy haven full of chat, stories and laughter. Stock is a mixture of never worn chain store stuff and some vintage finds. I spotted no designer labels on the clothing, but then I wasn't looking at the tiny sizes and this isn't London. The trick here is carefully sort through the rails and enjoy every moment. You'll never know what you'll get. Roma also buys in new things for the seasons, which I haven't seen elsewhere. An example were the knitted capes with big buttons that come in several colours, and the shrugs like spider webs. The shop holds clothing, shoes, hats, handbags and the afore mentioned new belly dancing outfits, in a range of sizes. Condition is all good and Roma and her sister are knowledgeable about clothing care, what goes with what, Trinny and Susannah style shaping and so on. They're also amenable to giving good discounts if you buy a quantity. I spent the same amount of money on 5 outfits as I would have done on one in an ordinary shop. A couple of hours and several complete kit-outs later, leaving my bags with Roma to look after (another aspect of her service), I dived tired but happy into the coffee shop across the road for cappuccino and Dorset apple cake. Aah, bliss.

One of the few places to buy decent menswear in Weymouth at fairly acceptable prices. Burton…read moremenswear sells a classic range of smart clothes as well as the more downbeat casual wear. The lines are fairly modern, nothing too high fashion, but aimed at those who want a fairly modern look without going overboard. This particular branch is quite small and so has limited selections, but there is enough to choose from to select a decent outfit. It is situated right in the centre of town on one of the most busy shopping streets and so it can get quite busy, but the upside is that it is very easy to find and get to.

The staff are fantastic in here - so friendly and bubbly and will go out of their way to help you…read more The clothes are fantastic as well - no longer just a place for the older ladies!!

Quite a small branch of this youthful fashion retailer at the newer end of town situated in the…read morepleasant pedestrianised zone around Debenhams. Being in the heart of town, this shop is easy to get to from both local car parks and buses and is surrounded by a nice mix of other pleasant shopping. The lines stocked by this store are at average price and are aimed at the younger customer with a more high fashion outlook. It sells a good range of going out clothes and jeans but selection for those who are larger in size or petite in height is distinctly lacking. Very little for the older customer - definitely one for the teens to twenties.

The best thing that can be said about this shop is that it is a Weymouth institution. It really…read moremust have been here forever and has never been updated or moved with the times. It is a classic menswear retailer from the forties with an extremely old world feel and a much older clientele. This place clearly serves the older population of Weymouth. The range comprises nothing that could be considered fashionable or up to date, but if you are an older person, looking for an old world look, you have come to the right place. Located right on St Mary's street, this shop is very easy to find being right in the heart of the town centre but as you can imagine, it is never crowded and indeed rarely seems to have any clientele.

They supplied the uniforms for the Harry Potter films! If you look above the racks of very dated…read moresuits and stuff you will see signed pictures of the actors. As Swanderbra says this is an institution in Weymouth and is impressive that it is still going. It is sorted for the elderly clientele or children going to very posh schools.