h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

N.P.Harding Electrical
[Personal details removed by Moderator]Gloucestershire

An Aladins cave for electronic components, surplus equipment.
Has depending on supply, computers, video cameras, just about everything an amateur or professional hobbyist could wish for.
Probably only a few of these cosy little shops left in the country.
Run by Norman and his son Stephen. I always pop in for a chat, even a coffee before buying another bargain. Most of my home cinema, including superb speakers were built thanks to these two.
And NO I AM NOT RELATED!
Should be Re Named the Olde Electrical Curiosity Shop!

Brunos
Elm Street, Manchester, Vermont, USA
Deli
Mozzarella, with basil, is the specialty
Bruno, oddly enough runs it

A quaint little shop, in a nook of quaint little shop, that specialises in gourmet deli foods, including bread and cheeses. It is in an 19th century house (as all buildings on Elm Street are), and beckons you with handpainted windows and fresh displays.

The Northshire Bookstore
Mainstreet, Manchester, Vermont
Books
Also sells local art and toys

A previous hotel, the building that houses the bookstore has been around as long as the town, some 200-300 years (not much for you Brits, but hey, that's not something to shake a stick at in America). The interior still has its original flooring and rugs, with only slight additions made (counters would be all, really). The operation, which is really the hub of a commercial town (filled with Gaps, Levi-Straus', J-Crews, J Petermans, Osh Kosh Begoshes, Mikasas, Liz Claibornes, Godivas, Nauticas, Dexters, Tommy Hilfigers, Baccarats, Armanis, etc. etc), retains a friendly atmosphere, one that invites you to come inside and enjoy many hours there. Still retaining the feel of a home, the store has numerous seats that invite you to sit down and "browse" through books, and not feel crowded nor pressured to buy. The shelves are built mostly into pre-existing walls and counters, leaving a lot of open air, yet not giving the "warehouse" feel of some of the other bookstores (I need not mention names). Here you can buy many books that other stores would not carry, due to the eclectic desires of the town's inhabitants. On hand are thousands of books of every variety, from spirituality, to comical, to mystery, to best sellers, to reference, and, rather extensively, children's. In fact, the childrens section includes more than books, including stuffed animals, dolls, stocking stuffers (little toys to go about and play with), musical instruments, board games, puzzles, and baby toys. Most of the toys are educational, and none are run-of-the-mill; you will find unique, hearty items that will enrich the minds of your children. Also, throughout the store, you will find an extensive collection of jazz, regea, classical, pop, rock, folk, and alternative music, mostly CD, and rare box collections; tarot cards, and other mystical apparatus are over in the religion/spirituality/sexuality (Grrr Baby) section; local postcards, greeting cards, and like ilk have their own section, all of which are unique, and certainly not of the variety housed in your local hallmark. Overall, this store is fantastic, and well worth a visit.

My recommendation:

Uncle Fun
[Personal details removed by Moderator]
http://www.unclefunchicago.com/index.html

This little hole-in-the-wall store has the most amazing collection of fun junk novelties and toys. You can barely walk through the narrow aisles in the store, lined with shelves, dressers, boxes, and bins, full of wind-up toys, buttons, gag gifts, strange items from as far back as the 1950's. Glow in the dark nuns, mini statues, dolls, beads, rubber ears... You open drawers to see collections of odd items for one dollar, 50 cents, or even 25 cents each... one drawer is full of one-inch-long plastic babies. The helpful staff will bring you a basket to hold the strange treasures you find, and despite the thousands of items manage to ring up your purchases without looking at any price lists. Great place for odd stocking stuffers or gag gifts.

The Old Game Store
RTES 11 & 30
Manchester, VT USA

Hey, another Manchester store! This place has all the best and newest games. They have some VERY nice chess sets and old games too. There is a good selection of jigsaw and other types of puzzles, along with some neat toys. It is a little expensive, but a great place to browse, and some things are just worth paying for. The owner is a very pleasant and helpful woman, who will play any game with you to demonstrate - very cool.

note: everything in manchester is expensive

I was wondering if I should make mention of Mother Meyricks

Mother Myrick's is ok, if you're into sweets, but what about the Jelly Mill? How would you describe it? I'm too drunk and tired to try right now, but it is a very cool shop.

It is a very cool building, but it has more than one shop. There's the Jelly Mill, the Jewel of the Mill, and three others that I can't think of, not mentioning the restaurant. It is definitely one of the best places in Manchester.

You got that right, it's right up there with OTL!!

Whose name I wish was still The Taco House

You got that right too! I lived in Manchester in '86 and the taco house was my favorite bar. 'Millions sold nationally, over one sold here!'