Value for money (The Works)

Member Name: CAFCGirl

Product:	The Works
Date:	20/10/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good value, frequent stock change, variety

Disadvantages: Stores cramped,bit worn looking

Most of my experience with The Works comes from my local store in Canterbury, however I have also been to the Ashford outlet store and also Chatham.

Although listed as discount book store, they do much more besides! Its often a good place to browse in periodically because the stock does over turn frequently, for all their ranges.

I used The Works indepth last Christmas when trying to put together a Christmas stocking present for my husband.
The stores themselves are often a bit tight for space, with walls shelved out and quite a few floor standing units as well as displays of stock underneath these units.
They have always got an offer with books (I've never seen them NOT have it) in particular 3 paperbacks for £5, or 2 hardbacks for £6. Normally paperbacks in the offer are £1.99 each so not a great hardship if you can only find one you like.
I've often found lesser known books by quite well known authors and they do often have some bestsellers although I don't generally use them for new releases.
I managed to find 6 books in total for my husband, as he enjoys most crime/thriller books, which they often have a good selection of. I've also found quite a lot of easy reads like chick lit for myself. They do often stock the classic titles from Penguin so its great to pick up a cheap copy of a title that kids might require for school.
They often also have box sets available for around £6 - £10 from many genres and have bought myself a couple of these on occassion.

Other than books they also stock quite a range in my local store or artists materials. I wouldnt describe them as the highest quality but when you're first getting into something, its a great economical way of exploring a new hobby. They often stock many mediums, canvasses, brushes, crafting materials.

Stationary is often also really reasonable, including folders, notebooks, reams of printer paper etc. I often use some of their items for gifts such as nice writing sets or gift card sets for the older members of my family.

There is also a wide range of items for children, including crafts, books, games.

They have also recently introduced a new range of notelet cards which come in packs of 12, 3 varying designs, which are buy one get one free at £1.99, its hard to find anywhere to beat this price. I've stocked up on these for thankyou cards, birthday cards etc. There are a wide range of prints from funky foods, traditional flower arrangements, black and whites, cute puppies etc. These are also ever changing lately as well.
Other cards they stock are from 75p each which are also on 3 for 2 and these include specific message cards.

The only downside of the stores is the cramped feel. There is a huge amount of stock in the shops and some of them stock can be a bit cheap looking, and poor-ish quality. I'm also yet to find a store whose floor doesnt look like its been trampled and scuffed by a rowdy group of toddlers.

The staff have always been really polite though and very helpful. I know it can't be easy for them to keep up with the amount of stock they get through, but they've always asked another colleague if they didnt know and I've never felt fobbed off.

Another great plus is they even have carrier bags which DO hold PROPERLY rolls of gift wrap!!

Always worth a visit!

Summary: Can always find something I want in there....