I really welcome the plans for a new Tesco supermarket in Machynlleth, Heol y Doll - even though…read moreI'd rather support the local stores. I have lived in a rural community before in the past and I think that both local stores and supermarkets can compliment each other. The shops that I find locally (Spar and Co-op) are not that attractive so we already shop at a Tesco in Porthmadog or in Cardiff - or go to Aberystwyth especially for our food shopping. Spar and Co-op are chains, too and the choice of food is bad. I really like the independent shops in Machynlleth but I will always go there if there is a Tesco's or not. Many of the good independent shops do not sell food. They are the Spectrum Art Gallery and Ian Snow. More people would visit those even if there was a Tesco. A good thing. Some of the traditional people never want to change things and are afraid. Unfortunately they contribute to negative effects.

The greatest charity shop I've ever been to sits at the end of Heol Maengwyn, just over the road…read morefrom the medieval clock tower in Machynlleth. It's not a plush outfit, far from it, but you will find some gem items here. And, best of all, pretty much everything costs just 50p. Monies go to support a dog sanctuary, but even if you don't like dogs, there's more random items here than you can swing a cat at. In my experience, the Dog Shop always delivers

It is certainly worth going to this clothes' shop in Machynlleth. You can browse - and guaranteed…read morewill always find something here. They sell labels from different designers, sometimes by Fat Face, M&S, Next, Oasis - all for real bargain prices. I bought a dress here, a few shirts and skirts. The staff is always very friendly. It is right in the High Street - you cannot miss it!

I live in Newtown so tend to go into this branch more than the bigger one in Mach. I love it! The…read moregirl in thee is lovely and orders me in Portmeirion tableware!! The stuff is top quality, unusual, affordable and you know it's been fairly traded -where applicable- It's one shop whereI'd love to work if ever there was a job vacancy..or have them stock my handcrafted baby comforters!!! They've come a long way in the 15yrs I've lived in Newtown. Well worth a visit if your passing any of the shops.

When I first lived in Machynlleth I used to go here all the time. There is nothing comparable there…read morelocally! I like the cups and mugs they sell, the serviettes are too pricey (4 pounds for paper napkins), 6 Euros. They sell toys, a great selection of cards for all occasions such as birthdays and Valentine's, Easter, Get Well. They have figures from wood, vases, many African and Aftrican-style gifts. I like some of the clothes they sell, e.g. from Jackpot. I have a black dress from here. In the summer, I like the Ian Snow wind chimes. Nice!

I bought many items in the Spectrum over the last 5 years…read more I liked it when a friendly lady Sue worked here. These days I seldom go. I think I bought what I wanted. I still like many of the paintings, the black crow (pottery) - and the big rings. My partner bought a ring here in December last year. It was a birthday present for his mother. When she put the ring on, the stone came off. She wanted to change the ring - or to have it repaired by the people in the Spectrum. The unfriendly woman working in the shop on that day said she should put super glue on the ring herself. Not very good service really. I am disappointed now - even though I still like many of the items there.

A shop like you'd imagine out of a film - or out of the Welsh open-air museum. The shoe boxes are…read moreeverywhere - on the floor, on shelves, etc. Modern interior design is a term unheard of here. Some people call it a mess but I think it is so unusual that it has a certain something again. The shoes for sale include Rieker shoes. The price is right. Good choice of shoes for the middle aged who are looking for a healthy shoe - and actually an alternative to Clarks shoes you seem to find everywhere.

Good to have a Co-op here for some people!…read more In general Co-op products are good and ecologically friendly (sign with the frog). The shelves here though are often empty, the selection of fruit, veg and bread is poor. The meat is not good either but they have a new deli counter now with more cheeses. The selection of local beers is good. You have to wait a long time in the queue because often things are not working. I hate shopping here but there is not much choice, and I prefer the Co-op still to the Spar. There is no toilet inside the Co-op or a place where you can have a fresh coffee. Poor service, really if you think about it.