A Great Place To Shop (Buchanan Galleries)

Member Name: ickleannie

Product:	Buchanan Galleries
Date:	08/02/09 (185 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accessible and Handy in The Town Centre

Disadvantages: Gets Too Busy

As you will have become aware from some of my previous reviews I am not really one for trawling the high street looking for clothing items. I prefer the convenience of buying most of my items online, However on occasion we all unfortunately have to do this at some point. I had been invited to a party so thought that it was about time I invested in a new dress!! Well living and working in Glasgow the only place for me to shop has to be the Buchanan Galleries. Fortunately I always go very early in the morning to try and avoid the crowds and for the most part tend to be able to experience a good couple of hours hastle free shopping and can actually try items on quickly instead of having to wait in huge long queues. The beauty of the "galleries"as they are known locally is that they have a wide range and variety of shops under one roof and a convenient adjoining car-park so you really don't have to stray to far afield to find the items that are of interest to you.

The Buchanan galleries are situated in the heart of Glasgow's main shopping district and can be found between the world famous Sauchiehall street and Buchanan street. Just a stones throw away from the main Queen street Railway station and Buchanan bus station.The shopping centre is open seven days a week from nine until six and 10-6pm on a Sunday. The added bonus of shopping here is that you can ( I couldn't personally think of anything worse myself) leave your car in the adjoining car park which is open from 8am until 11.30 pm and go for a meal or to the cinema after your days shopping!! The parking fees are very competitive for being right in the city centre. All day parking from 8am in the morning till closing will set you back around £12. There are special discounts available. I would suggest contacting them for any special rates and current offers before travelling as there are discount vouchers available.

Now onto the important business of the shopping facilities. The galleries boast over 90 stores within its walls. These include lots of high street names and specialist stores. Some of these include 7 Camice, Accessorize, Anne Harvey, John Lewis,Thorntons, Gap, Baytrading, Ben and Jerrys, Birthdays, Boots,Carphone Warehouse, Disney Store, Ernest Jones, Fragrance Room, Fred Perry, Game ,Gap, H Samuel, H&M, Jane Norman, La Senza, Mango, Next, O'neill, Phones For U, Levi, Principles, Swarovski, East, Jacques Vert, Kschocolat, Phase Eight, and Quicksilver to name but a few. There are a variety of shops to suit all occasions and budgets so you are sure to find something that suits your particular taste.There is a website available www.buchanangalleries.co.uk. This site will give you a list of all the retail outlets available and is well worth a look, as they often list special offers and promotional discounts.

There are also an extensive range of food outlets within the shopping centre if you want to pause for a well-deserved coffee break fancy a snack or lunch. I always tend to go to 'the place to eat' in John Lewis as it is very quiet in the morning and offers a wide variety of sandwiches, cakes coffees etc. Plus a fabulous view of sauchiehall street if you are lucky enough to be able to get to the windows !!There is also the food gallery, Starbucks, Millies Cookies, Crepe a Croissant. On this particular occasion I tried a new venue which had just opened and was called Brewhaha. I Surprised myself here as I am normally a creature of habit. However as it was new and looked pleasant I decided to give it a try. They stock over 45 different kinds of tea from around the world and wonderful fresh sandwiches and cakes. Although I did not partake myself they also have high teas which they serve from 3-6pm daily. Overall well recommended for a short rest break and reasonably priced.

Other facilities within the Galleries include, security patrolled car parking, with monitored cctv cameras available so you will not have to worry about car damage. They also have helpful Customer service officers, cash machines. Large and very clean and well-maintained toilet facilities and disabled toilets. A baby changing room and a breast feeding room. Furthermore there are telephones a bureau de change and a customer help desk. You can buy gift vouchers here which can be redeemed in any of the outlets within the galleries.

Overall the galleries is a great shopping experience rolled into one however I would recommend going early to avoid the crowds as it is a very popular place to shop. For the most part I avoid these places after 2pm in the afternoon as you really can't move. It is well kept and still looks brand new after ten plus years after its initial opening. A great shopping experience with pretty much everything you will need in one convenient place. Recommended 4 stars.

Summary: Great All Round Shopping Experience