At first, this store seems pretty much like your average £1 shop; it sells the usual household…read moreitems such as mops, buckets, batteries, confectionary and cheap toys. However, upon nearing the back of the shop, you'll find a wall completely dedicated to nuts, bolt, screws, pins, hooks, and pretty much every other type of tool you could imagine being useful in and around the home (if you're a fan of DIY that is!) Unlike most independent pound retailers, this one has a large, spacious area, which is sleek, modern, and brand-new looking from outside to in. The shop is very pleasant to explore, and it's a great place to visit for those small and ever-useful items. It's nothing to come especially to West Bromwich for, but if you're in need of the basics for your home, and if you're a local/ in the area, I'd say that this is better than most pound shops i've come across before.

Nike factory outlet.. The have great stuff here its all Nike branded and it very very reasonable…read moreprices. Its not the latest designs or styles but its like last season or ex stock they can't sell. Mens Trainers average in from £20-40 a pair depending on discount amount. Good if u wanna by a few pairs in one go. Good for gym clothing men's shorts £5-10 tops £10-20. Stock is limited so go grab yourself a bargain. Parking outside costs £1.60 for two hours and cheaper for 30 minutes.

One thing that surprises me about Bearwood High Street (I know it's Bearwood Road, but it looks…read morelike a High Street down the end I'm talking about) is that it hasn't got a Poundland. There's quite a lot of other things it doesn't have, but that one strikes me as particularly odd. As it happens, it means there's plenty of room for local competition, and one of these local competitors is Just 99p, undercutting it's more established rival by that all important penny. The thing is, they sell quite a few bits and pieces (the obligatory plastic storage boxes which sit on the pavement outside) that aren't just 99p, they cost things like £5.99 - but who's gonna let detail stand in the way of a snappy name? Inside, the place is very much like an unbranded Poundland, selling mostly the same kind of things: Cheap bulbs, toiletries, blank CDs, multi-pack sweets, kitchen utensils etc. etc. I've picked up the odd bit and piece from here from time to time and never had any complaints about any of it but, like a lot of the shops in this part of town; if you don't live right by there, there's very little here that can't be purchased anywhere else (even if it is a penny more expensive) so there's nothing worth making a special trip for. But then who was the last person you met who made a special trip to a certain pound shop?

Budget shops are cropping up everywhere in Birmingham. I'm not sure whether this is a reflection of…read morethe economic climate or our shopping trends! Either way, we all like a bargain. And this is precisely what Just 99p on the Bearwood High Street offers. Needless to say, all items are priced (just) under a pound so it would be ridiculous to expect top quality. However, when it comes to snacks, disposables, plant seeds and kitchen accessories - you cannot go wrong. The shop is somewhat cluttered and cramped but you get an idea of their organised mess. It's a family business so they have a casual approach with customers and are helpful to assist you with whatever specific item you could be looking for. It's a corner shop with plenty of side streets to park on.

Latif's has become something of a Birmingham institution for me and I have started categorising…read morepeople by those that know and love it and those that don't. For me you can't call yourself a true Brummie until you have experience this place. An almost palace of cheap and cheerful shopping they stock pretty much everything from home ware, clothes, furniture, garden products, electrical, lights, toys and even sweets and food. Spread over 3 floors once inside you might struggle to escape. I visit quite often as they have a lot of cheap things I use around festival season and Christmas. It is well worth a visit and really you haven't lived until you've spent an hour here.

If you are moving house and are on a budget or you are a student just taking up residence in…read moreBirmingham I think it's worth checking out Latifs. The place has EVERYTHING and it's all cheap as chips. There's so much that you can end up getting a little lost, without even knowing where to start. Some might prefer to go a little more upmarket, but I have no problem at all when you can kit out your whole flat and get change from a fiver (I exaggerate but you get my point). Even though it's cheap it's not all throwaway stuff, I bought some glasses there when I moved to my new apartment and the quality is pretty decent. As well as all the practical things you will need you can also find some very surreal and kitch decorative things. There are three floors dedicated to kitchenware, furniture, bedding, lighting and electrical goods, gardening equipment, tools, food and drink, cleaning products... see, everything! I recommend going by car or with a willingness to carry bags. And expect to leave there with a bunch of useless things you never intended to buy on your shopping trip (I still have the lenticular portrait of a tiger on my wall to this day).

The Candy Store is one of Birmingham's best kept secrets…read more This shop wont fail to surprise you, and has some great quirky t-shirts. The decor is tasteful and the shop is fitted out well. You can find several trendy pieces in here which is great for an independent outlet with a mixed price range. Friends or relatives can lounge in the large comfy sofa's whilst they wait., or just admire the store & furniture. I'd recommend The Candy Store to anyone visiting Birmingham. Spend some time in here and you will find something that catches your eye. The staff are very helpful, and also told me about the tailoring on some of the t-shirts I was admiring. Worth a visit!!

"Genuine Street Goodness" is the tag line for this urban apparel shop, but I think that's wrong. I…read morethink The Candy Store is more than goodness, I believe it's one of Birmingham's best stores and something to be proud of. Established in 2007 The Candy Store has been a beacon in independent street brands, stocking items that might not appear on any other high street rail. Stocking some of the best street brands in the world such as: 10 Deep The Hundreds Jilted royalty (owners brand) Crooks & Castles Diamond supply Fame Benny Gold The shop itself is slick and tidy; each brand has its own section/rails with select items laid on shelves to catch attention. There are some cool bikes and a great sound system in there always playing interesting and fresh urban music. Though it can sometimes be hard to tell the staff apart from the people hanging in the store, everyone has been friendly and happy to help whenever I have been in. An independent urban clothing store could be quite intimidating for a mom to pop into to buy her kid something, I've seen It happen, but the staff here have all the time in the world for anyone who might not have the insider knowledge on what's cool and what's not. The prices range from £15 for a tshirt upto £85 for a shirt it all depends on the brand/season of the item that you have selected. They take card and have an online store too. The sales are known to be really good so keep checking back at their website and inshore. http://www.thecandystoreclothing.com/

I'm a regular at the Next Clearance store in West Bromwich and I'm such a fan of their bargains…read morethat it warranted a review! This store is pretty big with a huge range of women's fashion, from casual, formal work attire to glam evening-wear. They have a wide selection of the "SP" range too, which stands for Special Purchase. This is only available in Outlet stores. The range here has been much more impressive than any other Next outlet I've been to. They have great bargains on children's clothing, which are usually very pricey. And even the men's shirts start from under a tenner. Towards the back of the store they have a "Home" section, which is usually very cluttered and messy. Even if there is something worth browsing, you're put off by the mess. But if you love quality and bargains in clothing - this is the place to shop!

These Next Clearance sheds are always chaotic, rammed and dirt-cheap. The cheapness is your payoff…read morefor spending hours rummaging through rails and fending off scary shoppers who will sometimes try to grab items OUT OF YOUR HANDS. The discounts are deep and the stock is abundant. This being Next, you won't exactly find anything high fashion or edgy. But you will find plenty of reliable work clothes and the odd nice frock. The majority of floor space is given over to women's clothes, with small areas for kids and menswear. They also stock homewares and furniture. You can snap up a bargain sofa if you aren't picky and are in a position to take items away on the day. This is no frills shopping.

This supermarket is one of my favourite independent places to shop, based in the heart of Soho…read moreRoad. I try and shop here every 2 - 3 weeks, and the discounted prices on shopping to be had in here, are gob-smackingly good! The ideal place to get all your authentic ingredients for that all special curry and what not. I buy all of my asain, Indian ingredients in here and more. The small packets of spices are convenient and the cheapest that you can get! Everything from the Basmati Tilda rice, flour, nuts, great juices, tea, snacks, lentils, oils, juices, cereals, shop here first. You'll be hooked, with famous brands it's a shame they don't offer some kind of reward scheme! My tip, try the bags of 'Paneer' in the fridge section, on your right when you walk in (past the big bags of onions....) at £3.99. Fry into a tomato curry, just delightful and beats takeaway food. I find I always fill my trolley shopping in here. The prices ARE THE BEST THAT YOU CAN GET! They close early on Wednesdays and only the far till on your right accepts debit cards. They even have free asian newspapers for you to take away, if you can read them. What makes this place extra special is staff at the door will look after your shopping bags and give you a numbered ticket whilst you shop and browse! 1 Hour free car parking is available for shoppers, there after, it's £1 per hour. Enjoy. A great gem and a much valued and appreciated store for all communities.

S&D Supermarket is literally based in the centre of Soho Road and my parents do come here whenever…read morethey are in Handsworth. Would I come here again? Only if I am in Handsworth and am desperate to buy Indian ingredients. There are closer green grocer stores that have Indian spices and plus there are high retail stores that sell Indian ingredients needed for making curries. But the prices at S&D Supermarket are excellent and they won't be beaten anywhere else. From tea to Indian snacks and savouries to cereals, these are some of the things you can buy from this supermarket. This is an excellent store for the locals and those living in Birmingham. To top it all off, the staff are top class here and they will help you out. If you do need guidance on any of the products at this supermarket, they will be there. There is car parking on-site and parking will be free for an hour. After that you will be charged £1 for every hour.

BabyStoreDirect based on Walsall Road in Birmingham initially started selling nursery equipment in…read more1984 and is a family run business. It is a pretty big store to say the least and cuddly toys, prams, cots as well as baby bottles are some of things you will find at BabyStoreDirect. This store is pretty useful for those who are expecting new additions to the family. The clothes at BabyStoreDirect are really cute and well priced. Everything at BabyStoreDirect are at affordable prices and if you do want to find out more visit the website given above. Staff are top class and they will answer questions if you have any. The BabyStoreDirect store is worth a visit.

Wow, I have no kids but I'm lucky enough to have some friends who are expecting new deliveries (or…read morejust gave birth) so it's just lovely to have such a (huge) shop next door and spoil the moms around. Babystore is a very traditional shop placed in Walsall Road next to other independent shops. As they are known as one of the largest ones in the country, which means you can find practically everything for your newborn and kids in early ages. I was quite impressed with the range of cribs and cot beds. Styles, colours and different sizes that would probably keep parents a bit busy and undecided to choose the perfect one. Plus, the delivery is for free with orders up to £ 50 so you it means you can make the most of it. The baby safety items are really interesting as well and it's unbelievable how they can think about absolutely everything nowadays to keep the children safe.

Great little shopping centre.. Has all the big brands and some high end high street brands too…read more Such as river island, h&m ,primary, etc... Good ample cark parking, its free to park after 6pm most evening. Has pub's. Bars, restaurants also has a Cinema. Free parking voucher when u spend £5 or more on shopping in Tesco.

Newly built shopping complex. 1st time I've been here and to sides to the shopping centre. Good for…read moreparking and wide range of shops all big sizes. Deffo check it out and you can waste hours here also just looking around and eating...

In need of a holographic Banksy frieze? Want to add to your collection of 'Scarface' memorabilia?…read moreMaybe you need a neon pink microwave or are desirous for a plastic kestrel? If yes, then Bearwood Cash and Carry on the end of the main Bearwood Road is the place for you. Actually, novelty items aside this is a pretty useful shop especially for cheap kitchenware. I came away with a couple of wooden spoons, a pack of notepads and a few toiletries - all for under a tenner.

And make sure you do carry cash with you when shopping here, as the minimum card spend is a tenner…read more Amongst the various items I've walked away from here clutching (I had paid for them, just to clarify) are a hot water bottle in a leopard-print cover, a fire-lighter, some kitchen utensils and some blank CDs. If you looked around hard enough, you could probably find a cuddly toy hidden away somewhere - it's that kind of shop. It's cheap but not Poundland and the quality of a fair few of the goods is approximately the same. They do however sell more expensive household items that you wouldn't find (or want to buy from) in a pound shop. AND they sell cassettes (or at least they did recently) which is great if you, erm well, need cassettes for your retro home mix-taping. Important tip for cash and carry first-timers: There's one door to walk in and a different door for walking out. I still get them mixed up, so beware!