In general department stores are the upper class end of the British high street. The exist either in out of town shopping centres such as Westfield, or Bluewater, and town centres. They rarely stick around when town centres become run down, as thats just not the sort of clientelle that they wish to attract.

Department stores are larger stores which tend not to sell own brand clothes and stock items from a wide variety of different suppliers and brands, and generally not the bargain ones. For example I have never seen Primark in a department store, but I do see Diesel, Ted Baker, French Connection, Whistles, to name but a few. The whole point of department stores is they sell many different items from many different brands.

Department stores often sell a wide range of clothes, childrens, mens and womens. They can also sell (depending on the particular store) electrical items, furnishings, games, make up etc. The larger the department store the more of a range it will offer. If you are after expensive cosmetics like Clinique, mac or Benefit a department store may be the only place you will find them.

Another advantage to department stores is that everything is laid out neatly and displayed well. It is easy to see things, decide what they will look like on, decide what they will go with. It is great because you do not have to rumage through everything just to get a look at an item its already hanging up so you can see what might interest you from a glance.

The downsides to department stores is that they often expensive. They are not overpriced as such, but they do not stock cheaper brands. If you are looking for a bargain it is best to go elsewhere!