Shiva Variety Fabrics sells women's South Asian fashions -saris and suits and a wide range of…read morebangles and costume jewellery. It is very eye-catching from the outside with a rainbow of bejeweled clothing displayed in the window below a bright red, blue and yellow sign and electric blue window frames. Anyone who loves to see a good splash of colour won't be able to stop themselves venturing over for a closer look. The shop is packed full of a huge range of fabrics, some thin and sheer and almost too delicate to touch and other thicker and more substantial cottons. It's the perfect place to buy fabric for a sari or suit but is also great for buying fabric for cushions or curtains or any other creative urge! The jewellery is very pretty and reasonably-priced and includes an array of metal bangles of different sizes and some large and colourful necklaces with matching earrings featuring vibrant glass gems.

A cute shop in one of the Arcades. Lots of original designs which are quite European. Girlfriend…read moreonly wears silver so knowing everything is sterling silver is helpful. Lady in store was nice and helpful with choice.

Azendi is a contemporary jewellery store that has been described as both inspirational and…read moreinnovative. They won the Retailer of the Year at the UK Jewellery awards in 2008 and looking at the shop, it's easy to see why. Simplistic cabinets are placed neatly around the room allowing you to look inside at the lovely pieces. The jewellery can be pricey as they specialise in Sterling Silver and Gold - but you can pick up a pair of earrings for £15 which I think is very good. They also have a nice selection of charm bracelets and charms - although Thomas Sabo does seem to have a much wider choice so I'd check them out aswell.

Danber is a very small curtain stall in the lower market hall. It is full to bursting with curtains…read moreof different lengths, fabrics, thicknesses and colours. Due to its tiny size, though, it is unable to offer a great deal of choice so it wouldn't be the obvious shop of choice for anyone wanting to browse through a range of styles. However, prices are cheap though so if you did find something suitable it certainly wouldn't break the bank. If you like the twee look they have a few sets of cutesy lace curtains and some frilly curtains with matching pelmets, ties and thick lace edges printed with fruit. They would look very at home in a country kitchen with a gingham table cloth and an apple pie in the oven! If you're looking for curtains on a tight budget and aren't very picky about the precise colour or design then it may be worth a look in Danber.

the best shop for curtains but especially nets. The owner is the nicest and kindest shopowner I…read morehave ever known and will help you in any way possible. If only all shops were like this one.

I have to say, although having only been the once, I was instantly a fan of this fabulous shop…read more Along every wall you'll spot home made trinkets, specially crafted delights, and lovingly crafted goodies that appeal to a wide range of tastes. It's a pure treasure trove of locally crafted art work, paintings, crochet, knitting, jewellery, decorative pieces, hand bags, furniture and more. Each section has its own personality, and the shop shines as a haven of talent, made up of the various creative items displayed within. I realise this perhaps speaks to those who enjoy pretty things a little more than those who don't, but I'd whole heartedly recommend anyone wander in and take a good long browes - be it for gift shopping, inspiration, or simply to marvel at what can be created by our local talent. What's more, Fabrication hold regular classes, including sewing lessons, crochet and more. I've intended upon taking a class for some time, but haven't found the time, although I've heard some very good reports from folks I know who've partaken. Essentially, I've wanted to learn how to sew for a while, since it's one of the many talents my mother has that I didn't take advantage of whilst at home, and would love to see if I can continue the trend. I won't make a promise here in writing, but watch this space. I may be a dressmaker yet! The real lesson here? Visit this place now. Visit, get your creativity flowing, and support the local scene!

What great shop. Selling goods from local artists. I bought several cards from the hilarious…read moreRubbish Seaside section as well as a few Leeds Brudenell Social Club cards by Richard Heald. The Brudenell is one of the best music venues I have ever been to. Nice way to commemorate my love of it by framing these cards. Staff were very friendly as well. A must visit each time I am in Leeds.

Always a memorable visit - selling something for everyone. I know I will find a decent gift here…read morefor myself or friends. Gifts are distinctive , outstanding and most of all reasonably priced. I always recommend this quirky shop to friends and family.

Cadeux is a unique gift shop that caters for both men and women. I can usually get quite excited…read moreabout gift shops, and Cadeux is not exception! Usually when I think of gift shops, I get the image of stuffy little card shops with a small arrangement of 'dated' gifts that seem to follow the same trend everywhere. Cadeux is a very stylish shop full of unusual and quirky gifts. They even offer a wedding list service so you know the choice must be extensive! They offer delivery on their goods and also an online shopping service. I'm a big fan of the artwork they stock too, from Rolf Harris, Csilla Orban & Nemo to James Blinkhorn, Doug Hyde & Fabian Perez. If you need an unusual gift idea, have a look at their collections.

Sharing the Success is a government funded programme which aims to regenerate areas of Leeds. There…read moreare many projects using the programme to create new jobs, enhance prospects and develop businesses in the city. An active example of a business within the scheme is a stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market called How Bizaar! Described as a business stall where ideas come to life, it offers local people a twelve week stretch to sell their wares, to gauge the public interest of their product. It seems like an excellent scheme to be involved in, the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial astuteness, receive business guidance and exposure. Some of the businesses that are exhibiting their goods currently, include Vicky's Crafty Arts who presents photographs in a more accessible way, rather than being stuck in books which are rarely browsed. She displays them via scrap booking, card making, and can make paper mache products to order. There were a ready made array of them when I visited the stall, they are vibrant in colour and seem almost African-inspired. Sanashzak offers a range of ceramic plates and bowls, at very affordable prices. There were also greetings cards, screen prints and various handbags made from recycled materials. Angel Silk stocked many silk scarves and ties, celestial in colour and soft to touch. Mim's Couture was my favourite section of the stall. This business designs dresses, and the style and quality of them are fabulous. Often using unusually patterned fabrics, the hems are at playful lengths and the product screams of total originality. Mim's Couture also offer a complete dressmaking service for formal events, with wedding and prom dresses available. There would be no danger of somebody else arriving in an identical outfit if you attended a social event in one of these creations! There are many more businesses brandishing their wares on the How Bizaar! stall. It is a brilliant way for local people to raise the profile of their product, with the guidance of a supportive and interactive government scheme. Well worth a visit.

How Bizaar! is a brilliant idea, giving small businesses the chance to display their wares for 12…read moreweeks for free!! This gives them the chance to make their ideas a reality and encourages them to assess their creations, selecting the best ones for their small area of the shop. By having a stall for 12 weeks in the market they are able to test the popularity of their products and gain customers who may spread the word. For shoppers it is a unique experience, with a dozen or more shops within a shop, each selling unique and beautiful hand made products. My personal favourite (whose name I'm afraid to say I've forgotten) sold cute vintage-look dresses that appeared to have been re-made from second hand garments, with many floral fabrics and button fastenings. Mim's Couture was also very memorable with unusual ball gowns and skirts in striking fabrics. Apparently it is going to be moving into a nearby stall, so its experience of How Bizaar must have been a success! There were also many other lovely bits and bobs including bags, glassware and jewellery. If you're looking for a unique gift look no further! And you'll get a nice warm feeling knowing that you're supporting a fledgling business that's just finding its feet. Despite Leeds Kirkgate market not seeming the most sought after location for a new business selling unique hand-crafted items, when I was browsing the shop there were several people who stopped by for a look...and if other How Bizaar! businesses followed in Mim's Couture's footsteps and opened a shop nearby, just think what a thriving bazaar of unique independent businesses Leeds Kirkgate Market could become!

Another one of those shops that sell 'everything', Mega Goods Store displays its wrae on the…read morepavement, and as we've come to expect, they consist of plastic bins, buckets, containers, and small plastic children's chairs...and a few mops thrown in for good measure! And er, toilet rolls and footballs! Inside they sell loads of stuff for the home including crockery, a small selection of toys and a fair few colouring books (takes me back! I was almost tempted to buy one!)...and some huge gold painted gilt frame mirrors for £25. Yes prices here are cheap, which probably reflects the quality...but it's not as if it has pretentions of being a top quality up market home ware shop. What you see is what you get. Mega Goods Store is cheap and cheerful, but it sells many handy bits and bobs that you didn't even know you needed!

Have you seen the latest fashions in Monsoon recently? I went to this one in Huddersfield this week…read moreand was surprised at the choices but I have to say that the staff were really great. I set off trying on a couple of items, the young lady in the changing room was first class, she brought me item after item to match up whatever I was trying on, nothing was too much trouble. It was really nice to have someone so attentive especially since I am old enough to be her grandma but still found several items which suited me - so of course I bought them! as you do! Monsoon is not a cheap shop but is really nice quality and stylish - I can honestly recommend this chain but particularly this branch to anyone. Well done young lady!