Department Stores in Southend-on-Sea, Essex

“Love this shop the only problem is the aisles are always bunged up for restock which makes it a pain for people with prams, wheelchairs and sticks. Apart from that not a bad shop at all”

“If you’re after a smooth landing into the weekly shop, Waitrose at Fossetts Way in Southend feels rather like stepping into a very calm First Class cabin only with a trolley instead of a seat. The car park alone deserves a round of applause: spacious, stress-free and no need to circle endlessly as if you’re stacking over Heathrow.

Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and refined, with aisles wide enough to glide through without turbulence. The shelves carry those familiar luxury brands you’d expect, yet what I particularly appreciate is the Essential Waitrose range. It’s proof that good quality doesn’t have to come at a premium fare well priced, well made, and frankly, it keeps the weekly shop grounded.

The bakery is a highlight: cakes that could rival a patisserie trolley at 35,000 feet. The delicatessen is another treat, staffed by a gentleman who went above and beyond to be helpful the sort of attentive service that makes you feel looked after, not just served. At the checkout, a wonderfully chatty lady brightened the end of my shop with warmth and humour, a reminder that good service is about human connection as much as efficiency.

And let’s not forget the John Lewis selection tucked within a clever touch that turns a grocery run into a mini department store visit.

All in all, a seamless shopping experience. Bravo, Waitrose Southend, you’ve kept standards flying high.”

“Well laid out & stocked. Most staff except for one very friendly and accommodating. Prices a little high for the goods, however as they aren't as fashionable and well made as some other chains. Lighting and layout and design of displays excellent. Changing rooms available.”

“Brilliant. Found what I was looking for straight away. Darent look round to much as quite expensive, but I must say, fantastic quality that you don't mind paying ABIT more for.”

“My partner and I popped in to get me some clothes as nothing I had fit very well. Upon entering, we are greeted with a lovely warm smile by Marion. While I am trying on half the shop, she keeps my partner busy and entertained with conversation (which I am incredibly grateful for as he is not the most patient shopper haha). In addition to this amazing service, she helped us with checking out and ensured we got the best discount possible on our haul, with our Matalan cards. I am incredibly grateful to Marian as she helped me find clothes I felt comfortable in and gave incredible service. Thank you so much!!!!”

“Had a brilliant experience at M&S today thanks to Emma on the top floor. I had a gift receipt that had been in my wallet for a couple of months and had faded. Emma helped me to get the correct number from the barcode so that my money wasn’t lost. She was really understanding and helpful and made me realise how more stores need to be like M&S - service with a smile! Thanks again”

“I forgot to add a 20% off code before paying, it wasn't a problem thanks to Robbie and Tracey who simply applied the code when I picked.it up and refunded the difference. Brilliant service.”

“Has an amazing range of things you never knew you wanted, but all so very interesting, like Taiwanese grass jelly one visit, although it's not there the next. However there may be Japanese rice crackers instead... Always a pleasant, surprising visit.”

“Argos being located within Sainsbury's hasn't made any difference to me personally (apart from 2-3 mins further walking!). Argos now having Customer parking will no doubt make collections a much easier process than from where they were previously located!”