I often feel guilty about ordering on line as I am aware that I'm contributing to the death of the high street (or industrial retail park) but I'm one of those people who likes to get the best deal without considering the implications or consequences. To make amends I thought we could promote our favourite local shops and possibly heighten general awareness of their existence.
My first shout is for the Nut and Bolt Store in Portland Road, Hove. Very helpful staff and great if you're doing a specific project or repair. If you only require one specific screw you can buy just one singular screw instead of having to fork out for a whole pack, the remainder of which you will probably never use. They even establish and calibrate the correct thread for the bolt you need to buy if it needs to be matched specifically. I often walk out of there only having spent 5p or some equally meagre amount. Clearly they're not going to survive just on my custom so the more people who know about this shop the better. Don't be misled by the name, they don't just sell nuts and bolts.
My second shout is for Toolstation which has been an organic discovery since I first eschewed the major DIY chains such as B&Q and Homebase in favour of Wickes quite a few years ago when it was still relatively unknown and offered better value for money. Shopping there also gave you a certain diy credibility because you were mingling in the world of the proper tradesman until it became more mainstream. Then I discovered Screwfix which offered fantastic value for money which I didn't believe could be bettered. How wrong I was because in the last year I discovered Toolstation who follow the same Argos like format as Screwfix but are on the whole, with the odd exception, much cheaper.
My third shout is for Chandlers, formerly Beachwood Timber, formerly Mackintosh & Partners in Basin Road North on the docks at the west end of The Lagoon. Great place for buying wood in various widths and thicknesses which you cut or have cut to the lengths you require. Much cheaper than Wickes.
So they are my three shouts:
The Nut and Bolt Store for odd screws, bolts and other odds and sods.
Toolstation for general DIY
Chandlers for your timber needs
What are yours?
My first shout is for the Nut and Bolt Store in Portland Road, Hove. Very helpful staff and great if you're doing a specific project or repair. If you only require one specific screw you can buy just one singular screw instead of having to fork out for a whole pack, the remainder of which you will probably never use. They even establish and calibrate the correct thread for the bolt you need to buy if it needs to be matched specifically. I often walk out of there only having spent 5p or some equally meagre amount. Clearly they're not going to survive just on my custom so the more people who know about this shop the better. Don't be misled by the name, they don't just sell nuts and bolts.
My second shout is for Toolstation which has been an organic discovery since I first eschewed the major DIY chains such as B&Q and Homebase in favour of Wickes quite a few years ago when it was still relatively unknown and offered better value for money. Shopping there also gave you a certain diy credibility because you were mingling in the world of the proper tradesman until it became more mainstream. Then I discovered Screwfix which offered fantastic value for money which I didn't believe could be bettered. How wrong I was because in the last year I discovered Toolstation who follow the same Argos like format as Screwfix but are on the whole, with the odd exception, much cheaper.
My third shout is for Chandlers, formerly Beachwood Timber, formerly Mackintosh & Partners in Basin Road North on the docks at the west end of The Lagoon. Great place for buying wood in various widths and thicknesses which you cut or have cut to the lengths you require. Much cheaper than Wickes.
So they are my three shouts:
The Nut and Bolt Store for odd screws, bolts and other odds and sods.
Toolstation for general DIY
Chandlers for your timber needs
What are yours?
