You know how when you go to a department store and it's heaving with people (some of obviously…read moreill-er repute than others - get back in your box, peasant, and stop shopping in my Debenhams!), and everything's disorganised, and clothes have fallen to the ground, and the fluorescent lighting makes you look peaky, and the mirrors in the fitting rooms make you look fat, and - now that you mention it - why it is so fucking hot in this tiny cubicle and why does it smell like feet(?!), you have to remind yourself why you thought it was a good idea to shop in a department store in the first place? Well, Williams & Griffin is the exact opposite of that. It is pure class, people. With roots back to the 19th century (historical!) and awards like 'Best Independent Department Store of the Year' under its belt, Williams & Griffin is a cut above the rest. With attentive staff, spacious sales floors and well-selected merchandise (generally brands in the upper echelons of retail), it's always a pleasure to shop in. Definitely one of the premier shopping outlets in the area. If you're ever out in Colchester, it's certainly worth a mooch.

I seriously have to question what is the big deal with 'Williams & Griffin'???…read moreThe only reason you are forced into entering the building, is because on the surface, this great big department store (now owned by fenwicks chain) and due for expansion to almost double the size, seems to be the best that Colchester has to offer. And don't even get me started on the cost of the 'William & Griffin' car park........ £7.50 for three hours parking. EXTORTIONATE!! The women's 'Fashion' department if you can call it that, is dire. Same old stuff that you find up and down the country in every department store. And rails that are soooo crammed with stuff, which gives you no reason to even bother looking! It's NOT fashion, just boring, commercial, mass produced blandness. If you can be bothered, why not venture into the heart of the town centre, where small businesses are offering you something different and unique. Some people need educating into realising that the best stuff is in independent shops NOT boring department stores! On the plus side they always put alot of effort into their Xmas display window. My advise to anyone reading this, try venturing down lanes such as 'Lion walk', 'Trinity Street' or 'Sir Issacs Walk'. You will find hidden treasures. Small shops full of wonderful things and lovely customer service............ Come on everyone, support your independents!!!!

Be warned after purchasing some garlands I found out after I got home that the price on the ticket…read morewas not the same on the receipt. After calling into the shop the next day I was informed that they don't have to give me a refund for the difference! I believe I was taking to the Manager but was also informed that she didn't have to give me her name.. so what's the point of being a manager !! After speaking to citizen advice apparently they have not broken the law but most shops would of offered this difference back as a good will gesture.. The reviews from The Range at head office are very poor on this company which is incredible you still have a business. Luckily for me I managed to find the same garland on line at a cheaper price so have returned at another branch with a smile on my face. This shop certainly should not be trading and I certainly won't be spending anymore money at your company. Shame on you

Just like Wilkinson's in the town centre, the Range has a huge, well, range of goods, from…read morehomewares and pet food to stationary and snacks. Although some of the products on offer are somewhat cheap and nasty, most are of a high standard and sometimes even branded. Pet food is one of the best buys at the Range, with cheap fish, dog, cat and bird food. Plants are also available, but make sure to check them for dead bits or other problems. In all, a really varied store that offers a huge range but is let down by the poor quality of some products.

Debenhams Colchester store is set out across three floors, with clothing, homewares, gifts and…read morecosmetics. For clothing, there is always a broad choice for men, women and children, although some lines are rather expected. Although this is to be expected of designer brands, some of Debenhams' 'own-brand' clothing (e.g. Red Herring and St George by Duffer) are sometimes extortionately priced. However, staff are nearly always helpful and, if you are so inclined, you can get advice of cosmetics in that department and make use of the free Personal Shopper service. Therefore, I am giving Debenhams Colchester four stars out of a possible five.

This store is set on 3 floors and seems to stock everything the well dressed home and person needs…read morewether it's new undies of new curtains! Loads of different designers offering something for everyone. There's no parking but they do have underground access if you need to collect something heavy.

THis is the only undercover part of Stevenage Town Centre. It is quite small, I would say that it…read morehas around 40 shops, but it is quite pleasant to browse around. It has the usual High Street names, ie Dorothy Perkins, River Island, Burtons, Claires Accessories, Thorntons etc. they also ocaasionally have small stalls set out in the middle selling gifty type items. They do special events in the school holidays and to promote other keys times, ie Halloween or Christmas. It has an undercover carpark attached, which is not too expensive and is good for when it is raining. There are two coffeee shops in the middle, my favourite is Esquires. All in all, this is a good place to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon, for some retail therapy.

Good little shopping centre in stevenage. It has a variety of shops from Claires to Adams and…read morevarious coffee shops and food places. There are usually free standing stall in the centre of the shopping centre that sell nice little trinkets or coming up to christmas great christmas presents. Being undercover makes it very attractive when raining etc, and it can get very busy.

A good-quality supermarket selling every kind of food and drink imaginable - pricier than Tesco's…read morebut worth it

On the high street. A little expensive clothes- but very…read moregood quality This has wonderfull cafe area- very clean and nice food too.