Supercigs is one of those really special little shops for really good value…read more Supercigs is just before you go down to the city arcade, red fronted shop with a white sign. Yhe shop is very narrow but very long too. Magazines are lined up and the left hand side taking over much of the entire wall, from floor to ceiling. These consist of magazines be it hair or gaming ones to fhm etc etc. They also have newspapers too as do all newsagents papershops. On the right hand sisde of the shop you find lots of sweets, these are usually bagged up and are great value for money. The shop also sells drinks to, these are also at a great price. Definately one not to miss. The till is at the back of the shop with friendly helpful staff, always seemingly happy. This is the only one in coventry unless the one in bell green, riley square still exsists which is a shame as this shop does a roaring trade due to their great prices.

Ooops! is a new artisan gallery & Gift shop opened on Sandon Road by business woman Jacqui Chana…read more When you step through the front door, the cool, crisp white decor provides a contemporary look with splashes of colour. The walls are adorned with tattoo-inspired stained glass panels, the handcrafted cards are quirky alternatives to the more "acceptable" ones found on the High Street and the gifts range from small bespoke pieces to large upcycled items. It doesn't just stop there. Downstairs is the gift shop but upstairs is a small area which offers an excellent, intimate space for independent artists/photographers and the ilk to stage their own exhibitions. Beyond what is the "artist's gallery", there are two rooms which will have the capacity to provide workshops, a meeting space and hold small events. This is a great little gift shop, which is sure to inspire and attract not only the "creative types" but also the discerning customer and supporters of independent stores. Ooops! is a welcome addition to Bearwood.

Scribbler is a gift, card and novelty shop located on the top level of the Bullring (on the…read moreentrance from the Bull). It's brightly coloured and inviting exterior never fails to draw my eye when I'm taking a shortcut to the Birmingham Markets to grab the weekly shop. Yesterday I thought I would pop in and actually have a look. It's not a large unit, but the walls and floors are totally packed with fun bits and pieces and cards of a good quality. The greetings cards are probably on par with someone like Paperchase in terms of cost, but I spotted some designs I hadn't seen before (and will be back to check regularly to stock up for friends and family). They sell a small range of gift books (including things like Grumpy Cat, Cyanide and happiness as well as other internet webcomics) and items from the likes of "Fred & Friends" for those awesome kind of kitchen gadgets that you don't need, but you definitely want. I spotted some 75% off items on their far wall, left over from the Christmas sales. I ended up purchasing 7 different things that WOULD have been over £40 pre-sale, but I paid £11. The member of staff at the counter was chipper, helpful and welcoming and we had a good old chat about some of the items they stock in the shop. A lot of the gear in here is expensive, but it's unusual and fun and would make brilliant presents for those "hard to buy for" people in your life. Definitely pop on down and give it a look next time you're in the Bullring.

For reasons that elude me entirely, this little gem of a record shop is tucked away in a corner of…read morewhat seems to be the food section of Birmingham's Indoor Market - you have to walk past stalls selling bags of frozen food and piles of chicken feet to find it. The focus here is quite clearly reggae and it's various off shoots, like dub and rocksteady. The sign promises cds, dvds and vinyl - the vinyl selection was looking a bit thin on the ground when I last went in but there's a healthy selection of cds and an intriguing selection of DVDs, some of Jamaican reggae concerts and others of movies with names like "Obdeah Wedding". (I'd love to be able to tell you what "Obdeah Wedding" is about, but all I could fathom from the cover is it's got something to do with a haunted wedding ceremony). The shop also sells tickets to reggae events up and down the country. If you're a reggae enthusiast, you should definitely make a visit as the proprietors really know their stuff and shops of this nature are what help keep the reggae scene going.

My first experience of Summit records happened completely by random. I was out with a friend and we…read moredecided to go for a stroll. Although they seem to specialise in reggae music which isn't my cup of tea, I could really feel the enthusiasm and passion for music from the shop assistants. They really appeared to love being there and sharing their knowledge with potential buyers. I didn't buy anything on this occassion but if your into this kind of music then you should definitely go down and give it a try.

Staff are always friendly and helpful when you go in, there is a wide range of magazines, books…read moreetc. There isnt a lot of stock of household items as its a small shop but theres plenty of papers and books.

This shop has been here longer than I can remember, although I no longer thinks it's a Stars…read moreanymore. There are tons of magazines and papers, and always good little reduced deals by the counter. The main downside to this shop is its quite pricey, but its situated over the road from a pub so the main custom are probably intoxicated anyway!

Anna Bee, the lady behind Top Rock, has been in The Oasis since it first opened. Her shops have…read moreseen subcultural styles come and go. In the current guise, Top Rock caters for goths and folk who want cheap and colourful nail varnishes and hair dyes. I'm not a regular customer, but I have been researching the shop for my thesis. I've been really staggered by the great relationship Anna has with her customers. She takes time to talk to them and they seem to love her to bits. Top Rock sells all sorts of gothic garb: top hats, velvet tailcoats, satin corsets and lacy-layered skirts. Some of the items are quite pricey, especially for goth teenagers, but there are plenty of affordable cosmetics and jewellery items. If you like wearing black and crushed velvet, then you'll love Top Rock.

OK, so lemme get one thing straight - I'm not a goth. This, however, is a goth shop and I'm sure…read moreit's a pretty good one too as it's survived three decades in the Oasis. I decided to write about Top Rock as I seem to be in there quite frequently. They have a great selection of coloured hair dyes by Stargazer, Crazy Color and La Rich'e (DIrections) and they also stock Stargazer make up - this stuff is brilliant for clubbing and fancy dress; particularly the Neon range as it shows up under UV light. There is also a huge selection of fake eyelashes and everything is so much cheaper than Boots or Superdrug. As well as all the usual goth attire that you'd expect, they have a large range of tutu style petticoats which are great to wear under a 50s rockabilly dress or skirt. These are more on the expensive side at around £20/£30. Eyelashes and hair dyes are about £3.99 and make up varies in price but I think it's very reasonable (I've done my research online).

This is a wonderful, independent music shop unique to Leamington Spa. It sells a range of musical…read moreinstruments, music (of the sheet variety), as well as accessories and novelty gifts for all musical enthusiasts. Staff there have a range of knowledge and are more than willing to help you out - great if you are slightly unsure, or just need a little guidance. A really good place to browse.

This small clothes shop is well lit, clean and organised. The prices of the clothes here are cheap…read moreand the quality of the goods are average. There is a good range considering the size of the shop and at times there are really good bargains to be had. Another shop that has a very limited selection for boys though, the range here needs to be increased but if you have girls its ideal. Annoying thing their card system you have to sign as it dont have chip and pin. Have been behind people who have gone to sign but have found their cards signature strip is worn out and the shop assistants wont accept their card, cue an irate customer and a trip to the cashpoint, needs to be updated.

the staff are very welcoming and the shop is nice and bright . there is a wide range of styles and…read moresizes .