Newsflow

There aren’t many newsagents in Solihull town centre so this is a good place to pick up a quick snack, something sweet or a drink. The shop is so small there is basically a one way system around it and if you bump into somebody then you have to go back on yourself (unless they do) I’m surprised at how much they have managed to pack into such a small space; the shelves are always full!
The staff aren’t the friendliest of people and seem to want to serve people as quickly as possible. This is necessitated because the customers are in such a small space. When it’s not busy they appear to want to serve you as quickly as possible and get back to whatever they are reading. It wouldn’t hurt for them to have just a little engagement with customers and put on a smile for them! On a positive note the prices are decent chocolate bars cost around 60p — 65p and they have deals on their drinks like buy two bottles for £1.00.

Small corner shop type retailers that are good for picking up a drink or a newspaper are surprisingly uncommon in Solihull, especially compared to other areas of Birmingham such as the city centre. If you’re looking for one, therefore, Newsflow in Touchwood shopping centre is probably your best bet. It takes ‘small’ to a whole new level, literally being so cramped that it’s essentially a one way system around — if you see something but you’ve already walked past, you’ll have to go around again, etc. For such a small premises, they’ve managed to cram an awful lot in, so it’s worth having a look even if you’d expect only a bigger shop to carry what you’re after. The prices are pretty good — chocolate bars go for between 60 and 65p, which is a lot cheaper than most places these days — but the staff aren’t the friendliest, essentially trying to serve you as fast as they can (I appreciate that this is necessitated by the small shop, but it wouldn’t kill them to crack a smile).

I have made a formal complaint about the ‘manager’ using this term lightly, who was incredibly rude, told me to ‘f’ off and called me a t* as I tried to spend my ‘touchwood gift voucher’. I asked if I could use it there and he was so rude and told me in a short answer no without explanation, I asked if he had Mastercard facility, again short rude answer of ‘no’ I asked if I could see his swipe machine and that’s when he became abusive, I reported him to reception who came into the shop with me and he clearly did have the Mastercard swipe, he then proceeded to say the machine wasn’t working (I don’t believe that at all as he could have said that in the first instance and why didn’t he?)
I won’t be visiting touchwood again because of this experience, how come someone like him is a manager? Learn some manners!!!
I will be recommending people don’t shop in this establishment!

Very small, very cramped, very rushed in and out, not very friendly staff. If you need a newspaper and you are in Touchwood this is the only option to you if you do not want to go to Mell Square, but for drinks or snacks I would walk up to Superdrugs which is under a minute walk away and enjoy the freedom of being able to stretch your arms out. Saying that if you are in a rush and do not mind the rushing then it will suit you fine

This place is good for the essentials, however the staff are really rude and rush you and the layout isnt great as its so small. If you need a magazine you have to reach next to the cashdesk where there is nearly always someone standing. However it is good for convenience and ideal to visit before a trip to the cinema as the sweets and drinks are alot cheaper than cinema prices!

This is a really small unit in Touchwood and I only generally go in here if I am really thirsty to get a drink or if I need change for the car park below. They sell papers, magazines, drinks and sweets/​crisps/​snacks. It is very small but you are only in there for a few seconds as they do serve you really quickly.