I am going to completely agree with Emma-Loiuse about this store which upon first discovery, I…read morenever even knew existed until I found out by accident. Branded Bargains is if you like, your large version of Home Bargains as it is very similar in layout and style so don't be fooled for seeing double; this place is like Home Bargains big brother and you will find allsorts of extra items to buy at low prices in addition to the usual Home Bargains products. I like this place so much, that I'm now a regular shopper at this store; its truly a hidden treasure chest (well, not exactly but you know what I mean)! It is out of the way from the main road and situated behind TJ Hughes so not often noticeable. If I had to use a map to find this place, I would say its definitely worth it.

Home Bargains, Bodycare or Savers and Branded Bargains, the big three, the holy trinity of stocking…read moreyour bathroom, below-kitchen-sink cupboard or generally making your shelves feel like they're full, primarily with Supernoodles. Just outside of the little Textile Town on the outskirts of Liverpool's centre is this marvellous store, located adjacently to its furniture offering and nearby to a heck of a lot of fabric and second-hand stuff. If you've never read my reviews before, well, shame on you! I mean, sorry, let me correct myself and say that you might not have HEARD of Home Bargains. Well, Liverpool, you are lucky. Not only do you have the behemoth of good value that is TJ Hughes on your doorstep, you also have the student and freelance writer (not that I'm talking about myself, noooo) Mecca of shopping wonderment that is Branded Bargains. They're Bargains. And they're Branded. Meaning they're cheap, and they're things you've heard of. Johnson & Johnson moisturisers, for instance. L'Oreal shampoos. Heinz beans. Pot Noodles. Jordan's cereals. Not stolen personally from the muesli arsenal of Katie 'Jordan' Price, but rather the ones that Bill Oddie's voice waxes lyrical about when he's narrating the adverts. You name it, at some point (somewhat rotationally, we have to remember, as with Home Bargains) they'll have it. It's a great place to pick up quirky gifts and offers plenty of homeware as well as edibles and toiletries, and if you're even slightly strapped for cash you'll save a bundle here. Put it on your list of shops to visit.

Rapid DIY is a department store with a difference - it's family run and owned which is nice to see…read morein the days of B&Q and Argos monopolising the market. It's located where John Lewis used to be, right underneath the Radio City tower, impossible to miss. They used to concentrate on selling DIY and hardware, however now they sell everything under one roof, from linen curtains to carpets to the traditional DIY. The store has been recently refurbished, and now has a cafe instore which even sells the traditional scouse! Everything is a reasonable price, considering it is an independent store and in my opinion is on track to compete with the big names in the business.

Rapid DIY is a brilliant all round department store serving several floors that once used to be the…read morehome of John Lewis. It has now expanded greatly and made the most of the former (and well recognised) George Henry Lee building. Rapid is now right in the heart of the city centre with many entrances you can't fail to walk past. The massive improvement is that the building is now fully refurbished to give customers an even better, brighter shopping experience all under one roof! It is still going to expand further in the not so distant future which is also great news. Additionally, there is a fantastic Signature Cafe in store serving hot and cold wholesome Liverpool favourites, including scouse (one of my favourites)! As a whole, Rapid is great value for money and has a huge range of quality goods. You won't be disappointed.

When I think of Primark I think of big queues, big crowds, modern stores and cheap clothes but also…read moreclothes on the lower-quality side, mainly down to the price with Primark basically being a clothing version of ALDI. Located on Church Street, it is basically right bang in the heart of the One and the centre of Liverpool so the location here is really good, the store is quite large and is in an old building so is nowhere near as modern on the outside, or even the inside as other Primark stores I have visited including stores in Gateshead, Cardiff, Newcastle and Amsterdam, most of which I have visited in the past and awarded a three-star rating to. A lack of renovation could let the store down more than ever now, following H&M locating into the old BHS unit, with a more modern store as the retailer is similar to Primark so action is needed soon. This branch of Primark in a way reminds me of Southport's store, inside it isn't too impressive or modern - which is a shame and it contradicts what you would expect considering Liverpool is a big city, the second biggest in north-west England. I didn't like this store, not just because of the poor overall feel but it just was really untidy, I lost count of clothes on the floor before even getting to the men's section (the ladies section os on the ground floor), and by the looks of things, it looked like it had been that way for a while and staff were unbothered by it, and not doing anything to change it, making it an unsatisfactory and unpleasant place to shop overall. An untidy, uninspiring store which even lets Primark down, if you compare this to other branches of Primark including those in Gateshead and Amsterdam, which I did like, it looks like a completely different store, mainly down to the overall feel, staff and cleanliness of a store, this isn't a store I can reccomend or justify anything over a one-star rating for on this occasion.

Every time I walk into Primark, the store is packed with customers the majority of time which…read moresuggests its popularity. It does tend to attract a lot of students and for those who love a bargain, this is the place to shop. Quality of clothing can be unpredictible but it all depends. If you're fortunate, you may find a garment to last you more than a few years. The store itself is plentiful, serving 5 floors which has something to suit everybody. There is even a homeware section on the top tier. Primark is a shop which you'll either love or hate, and I love it!

A must for emerging and established knitters, Purlesque is a gorgeous boutique that sells beautiful…read morewool, yarn, buttons and crochet books. If you haven't got the patience or fingertips to stitch yourself, they also sell adorable hand-made bags, accessories and homeware. I love the mix of DIY jewellery, tote-bags, scarves and cushions but it's the knitted cupcakes and tea-cosies that I have my eye on. You bring the jam and scones, I'll get the kettle on...

This is a lovely little haberdashery store. The staff here are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable…read more Amongst the goodies on sale there is wool, yarn, buttons, jewellery beads, crochet kits, knitting patterns, bags, cushions, fabric and scarves. Everything is arranged neatly and the shop is a joy to browse around. This is a great little shop for when you're feeling a bit crafty :)

Zara Home whose appropriate next door neighbour is Zara, appears quite camouflaged as its outer…read morecolours blend in with Zara, so most of the time I walk past this without realising. I kick myself for not noticing because this neat little home ware shop offers a whole load of items, which are ideal to make your home look pretty and shiny. Amongst their terrific variety of products, they sell everything from crockery, linen to furniture and beds. You wouldn't think for a small shop like this, that they offer such a decent selection. Whilst prices are moderate, most items appear to be of decent quality. I wouldn't be too surprised if this store attracts many housewives and mothers. This store is perfect for transforming your home, such as making your mantle piece look ten times more fabulous!

What a pleasure to find a traditional, old, well established furniture company which I stumbled…read moreupon whilst searching for a particular branded item of furniture. Replies to emails and telephone calls were prompt, the service exemplary in every respect, and the prices were unbelievably good. The delivery service was free and the men were very courteous and everything went like clockwork. I purchased over the telephone, and how lovely to get an old-fashioned, hand written receipt in the post the next day with credit card docket attached. Would make this company my number one port of call for any furniture items I may require in the future. Absolutely brilliant!

From the owner: George F Knowles is one of Liverpool, s largest independent Furniture retailers. Established in…read more1903 with a reputation built on great service , competitive prices and an extensive range of quality products. Our 20000sq ft showroom in Liverpool displays some of the best known Furniture Brands. We work with some of the most respected names in the industry and while tradition is at the heart of our business, we acknowledge the growing demand for simple design, natural materials and fresh colour pallets. At George F Knowles in Liverpool our experienced Sales Team will provide expert advice and have " An Extra mile" service mentality.

Discount furniture store with great range of furniture. Good value and delivered on time as…read morepromised. Thank you.

Never again! Spent over £500 on a wardrobe, bed & chest of drawers. The problem was with the…read morewardrobe which had to be built on my property. I opened the front door to 2 miserable looking blokes who didn't crack a smile the whole time. They leant all the pieces and their tools up against my expensive new wallpaper & curtains, the doors don't line up, they hid all the boxes & rubbish in the bathroom & refused to take them downstairs for me let alone take them away, left a terrible mess all over my brand new carpet and stormed out. I called Ian from the shop who turned nasty even though he knew I was upset, well he'd been paid, in cash hadn't he? Will not be returning and would not recommend.