I shopped at John Lewis for my first time, last year. Before I shopped there I had heard various stories and reports of this store. My viewpoint was that this was a posh store, a bit snooty and not really for me.

Let me say, I have only been to a John Lewis store once and mainly shop on-line. John Lewis stores to visit are special shops, quite posh, but you feel good shopping there.

My viewpoints have changed now and although I wouldn't shop at John Lewis all the time for special occasions and gifts it's very good.

I was introduced to John Lewis with a £10 gift voucher off my first order of £20 or more. I bought a lovely vase for my friend, Laura. She was delighted with the quality yet simplicity and style of this vase. There were 3 vases of declining size which, when placed together made a complete looking vase with a flower on the front. This cost me £17 and then I bought gift wrapping and tagging for a further £3. My friend was delighted with her gift that I bought for her birthday.

I would compare John Lewis to a slightly up beat Marks And Spencer's which before I shopped in I thought was for fuddy duddy's. However, it's not, never has been and never will be.

I feel safe shopping with John Lewis not only can you choose a delivery date, but they also offer a full refund on goods purchased and sent back before 28 days. Which, I feel gives sufficient time in case of any problems. Bare in mind that you would have to keep your receipt and either pop that into the store or send it via post. If sending via post I suggest that you send both your product and receipt together by recorded delivery and that way you have a guarantee that it has definitely got there. You know what postal services are like things can get easily lost in the post albeit not very often, but it does happen.

John Lewis has a wide range of products from garden, watches, lighting, toys, bedroom, bathroom, baby, computers, software and accessories.

In store there is a lot more on offer when compared to their on-line shop so you may feel happier visiting one of their stores nation-wide.

John Lewis also issue nice, glossy catalogues for you to do mail ordering.

Products range from your usual high street prices to middle of the range and very expensive. There is never really anything particularly cheap here even in the sales, but then that's not the image that John Lewis wants. They really want the customer to feel that they have bought high quality goods at the correct prices.

I guess I could make the comparison of somewhere like Debenhams to John Lewis it has the same kind of appeal. So if you like shopping in Debenhams then chances are you would also be the type of person that would enjoy shopping in John Lewis.

I much prefer shopping on the internet because it's more laid back and I don't have the worry of breaking anything and I aint going to get any blisters sitting in my computer chair. Going into a John Lewis store isn't really for me, I'm more down to earth and prefer down to earth tastes than top of the range products. That's just who I am. Saying this though I love shopping on-line and always manage to find something to suit my tastes.

John Lewis as mentioned earlier have many products on offer so many that there is usually something to suit everyone. If your feeling down or need something to make you feel special then John Lewis will add that special something to your shopping experience.

I would say that you get value for money with John Lewis although it does tend to be more expensive than some of your more average type of shops. John Lewis is great for ornaments or vases. Furniture is another speciality of John Lewis then you can be sure that your getting something that's a little bit different and a little bit classy.

In store I'd say that the staff seem more interested in those people that look like they have money and if that's you then you can be sure of all the help you need. In fact, the shop assistants will probably want to show you round the store themselves just to make sure that you see something you'd like to buy. Don't let me put you off I do feel that John Lewis care for their customers, but like I say I think they care more for the customers with money in their pockets.

That is why I prefer shopping on-line as you don't have the pressure of sales assistants looking at you and wondering if you are going to buy something. You also don't feel pressurised into making a purchase so in my opinion you are more likely to want to purchase something, rather than being haggled.

Delivery of products has always been punctual and on time. I have also heard good reports from other people about this.

If you haven't tried John Lewis then give it a try you may just be surprised. It's easy to find on-line and off. Just type the name "John Lewis stores" into a search engine and it should come up trumps.

I think if you want something different that's a little special, you will like this store.

Thanks for reading my opinion...

Mickie :)