The Strand

Being a Bootle dweller, I’m rather fond of The Strand — even if does smell suspiciously like a pet shop inside, and looks as though it’s not seen a lick of paint since 1985. However, it does happen to have a pretty extensive selection of stores, including its very Marks and Spencers discount outlet which is great if you’re looking for some cut price knickers and a salmon supper.
It also has a pretty great selection of pound shops which is great if you’re looking for a decent bargain. I’m a particularly big fan of the mighty B&M Bargains and its ‘interesting’ range of exotic foodstuffs including posh chocolate, dulce de leche and a wide array of intriguing looking foreign tinned meats.
OK, so it will never be Liverpool One. But if you live in Bootle and don’t fancy schlepping into town to buy your basics, then The Strand should meet all of your retail needs.

I used to go to the Strand in Bootle all the time when I was younger. Memories of trips to TJ Hughes with my Mum and Grandma. I also used to catch the bus from here regularly when I was at uni, so used to pop in quite a bit. Until last week, I hadn’t paid a visit here for about 6 years! I don’t know if it’s just me but the area really seems to have gone downhill. It wasn’t really a very pleasant shopping experience and I was glad to finish and get back home! Saying that, the Strand itself does seem to have improved in terms of the quality of shops. There’s a pretty good Marks and Spencer outlet, plenty of food shops (Tesco Express, CoolTrader) Boots, Superdrug, New Look and many more. A Home Bargains has opened since I last visited which is always good! And even better, in the old Woolworths store, B&M bargains has opened up. Got to love a bargain shop! The B&M bargains is actually really good, far better than the other B&Ms I have been to. It’s all shiny and new, although it only opened last week so who knows how long it will last!
And yes, TJ Hughes is still going strong!