The Works

I called in The Works today, as they are doing a giant sale to make way for new stock.
I didn’t feel this store gave a good vibe away with SALE everywhere you look, looking more like a clearance store.
Some of the items here were still overpriced and with Sale writtene everywhere, I feel it is misleadng and very poor.
They have a small range of books, childrens books, diaries and cookbooks.
I picked up a pack of 4 different size glue sticks for £1, which is a great price if the Glue is good quality and not very poor.
I like how the store now has changed its sign, with a yellow sign above the store now, I feel this stands out more than what it previously was.
This store isn’t massive but is okay for a store like The Works.
This store isn’t perfect but it is worth a look in every now and then when you go to Manchester, they could definitley have better prices and some better stock in, so I want to give 2 stars.
The reason I am not giving more:
— The stock could be much better
— The pricing could be much better
— The staff could stand out more
— It feels like a discount superstore rather than a shop with great things to sell at low low prices
— It isn’t a very nice store, it is too quiet and doesn’t have the best of atmospheres.

I always enjoy a wander around The Works. It doesn’t take forever and you know you wont spend half your life’s savings on a book you might not like.
Before heading off on holiday, I’d always start at The Works — if you like to read an actual book, rather than one from a device, then you’re looking at something silly like 5 books for £6. And it doesn’t matter if you drop them in the pool. I spotted James Corden’s autobiography for £1.99 — reduced from £19.99. Much better value that, I’d say.
The main reason I’ll come into The Works now (as holiday’s are over, sob) is for cookery books. With the average cookery book costing ridiculous dollah when you’re somewhere like Waterstone’s, I’d rather take a chance on a book by someone unnamed. Today, I walked away with a little book on Mexican tacos etc for £2. Much better than the £15-£20 if it was by someone ‘famous.‘
At the back of the shop, you’ll find plenty of arts and crafts materials for rainy days — even better that everything costs around 99p, so you can really stock up.
Don’t bypass it, you’re bound to find a little treat.

The name says it all doesn’t it — at The Works, you can get the works. Please, please, promise me, if you’re at university and you need coursebooks and classic novels, come here first. You could end up saving yourself an absolute bundle.
Not only is there plenty to choose from, but you get it daftly cheap too. The Works specialises not only in books but a bunch of crafts, starting at a mere 99p. I know if I had a bunch of kids to entertain I’d grab them a truckload of crafts. You can get art books, art materials, novelty gifts, magic trick boxes, cake decorating kits, every single kind of stationery you can think of… I could go on. But I won’t. Because you should go there yourself.
If you’re an avid baker and recipe seeker like me, The Works is particularly top notch for all things foodie.

Ever been in Manchester and wanted to tell your friends from all over the world what a great time you’re having, how fantastic the weather is and how much you wish they were here? I have, on several occasions. The Works has helped me out in these instances as it sells postcards of Manchester for just 20p each.
Other good things that they have on offer are paintbrushes, canvases, kids’ activity books, puzzle books, phrase books and bilingual dictionaries. Don’t come expecting to find any book on your wish list, but if you’re looking for a slightly out of date travel guide or Delia’s back catalogue at reduced prices then this is the place to come.
It has a bit of a Woolworth’s feel about it. Not sure if it’s the neon lighting or the pubescent staff. Anyway, I challenge you to find a cheaper Manchester postcard.

The works has never been an appealing place to me. If I’m going to go and buy a book, then I like to go to Waterstone’s and feel serious about the whole thing.
But The Works is a kind of uninspiring discount bookshop. Bookshops are meant to be magical if you’re a kid or something studios if you’re an adult. At The Works they don’t feel like either.
Instead, everything’s just colourful and cheap. It’s the kind of place you can get the latest «Ross Kemp on Gangs» book or the Levi Roots Reggae Reggae cook book.
The Works is the type of shop I only really end up in at Christmas when I am literally out of ideas on what to get distant relatives.

I don’t really know who stocks out The Works because they seem to be part genius part lunatic. Alongside books by popular authors and cheap stationery and arts materials, they have bizarre annuals and shite DVDs. It makes the place interesting, though I’m not sure how much of the random stuff they sell.
James has the right idea though; head in with something in mind and be amazed as you find it much, much cheaper than elsewhere. If you wander it for browsing though you may just wind up very, very confused.

I haven’t got enough fingers to count the number of times I’ve been dragged around The Works by my mum. As an avid card maker, she can’t resist popping in everytime she’s in town to check out if they have any new stock.
Alongside a large section of arts and crafts material from plain cards, envelopes and stickers to paper flowers and jewels, The Works sells a varied collection of hardback and paperback books at big discounts. Some are 75% cheaper than the RRP, others are 3 for £5. Over my many trips I’ve picked up some books I’d genuinely buy at full price from Waterstones or my local independent bookshop. Most of the time however, I find myself thinking that nobody in their right mind would pay full price for some of the books on offer!
We’re talking celebrity biographies, sports biographies, horrible true crime stories, extensive gardening manuals, large military and history books with tiny print, travel books with terrible photos and irritating joke and puzzle books for people with too much time on their hands. The one salvation is the Food and Drink section where they regularly get a dozen copies of mainstream cookbooks by celebrity and non-​celebrity chefs.

I love this shop.
It can be very hit and miss but it usually comes good for me.
I love arts and crafts and making my own Christmas cards, t-​shirts etc and I always find what I need in here, from felt letters to card charms to a ridiculous amount of glitter, it’s all here.
They also sell a good range of books too, especially the children’s ones. They have some great kids toys too, really worth a look for stocking fillers for any little ones you might know.
Good for calendars, notebooks, stationary, all sorts! Have a little look in when you’re next in the Arndale!

Fun game for you all– take a trip to your nearest Waterstones and find yourself a book then leave without buying it. Head straight to the Works and laugh as you save a small fortune on the very same book.
Fun game number 2– take a trip to your nearest arts and crafts centre and find yourself a some artistic media then leave without buying it. Head straight to the Works and laugh as you save a small fortune on the very same equipment.
Hurrah for the Works!