What was your favourite shop as a child?

[ohellio]

My mum used to take us to the local florist. It was more than a florist though; it sold things like bird seed in little plastic tubs (which I used to stand and push my hands through - I still love that feeling to this day). They sold dog leads and I used to save my pocket money so I could buy a new one every now and again for my little toy dog that I carried around. I still remember the smell of the green oasis stuff that the flowers were stuck into, and the smell of the bird peanuts. They had a lovely, elderly black and white cat called Crackers who just LOVED the strokes. We called it 'Cracker's Shop'.

I also have fond memories of our local Safeway as it was the first time I was allowed out unsupervised. It was only to buy a pint of milk, but MY GOD I still remember the fear that I'd get to the till and not have enough money.

I'd love to hear about other's favourite / most memorable childhood shops.

Woolworths! By a mile. I was devastated when it closed as my Mum and I visited our local every week when I was small, and this carried on when I had kids myself. In our house Santa also used to shop at the out of town giant Woolworths - “Big W” once a year - and could get everything he needed in 1 visit and two very full trollies 😂😂

Bodyshop ...the bath pearls..does anywhere even sell them now?

Mystique in Leamington for all sorts of random tat that reeked of incense. Mainly stuff festooned with sun/moon/stars motifs and beady jewellery and stuff covered in tiny mirrors for no apparent reason. I thought it was so cool. I can almost smell it just thinking about it! Happy days 😁

Donray toy shop in Morningside. It had the best selection of Sindy, Action Girl and Pippa. We used to go to Jenners for afternoon tea, then take the no 16 bus to stop in at Donray before heading home.

I still love the perfume hall at Jenners, although i'm rarely "home" these days.

Selfridges. I used to be taken there to get my hair cut and you got a ride on the rocking horse when you were done. Loved going before Christmas too, to see Father Christmas and Uncle Holly.