TJ Hughes is, according to its website, THE big discount department store. And who am I to argue with that summary? There are currently 50 TJ Hughes stores across the UK and they're well worth a visit if you're looking for premium brands at up to 70% off the RRP.

I've visited a few branches of TJ Hughes over the years and the products stocked and the layouts are usually very similar. Now, whilst technically it is a department store, don't expect a beauty department with ladies in white dresses squirting perfume as you walk past. Similarly, the electrical department isn't staffed by men in suits and the clothes aren't sparsely displayed on heavy wooden coat hangers. Usually when I hear 'department store,' these are the images that come to mind as I recall visits to Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser stores. So perhaps I should point out that TJ Hughes isn't like any of the aforementioned department stores. Imagine the poorer, slightly chav cousin of Debenhams. But don't let that put you off!

Typically, the staff appear far more approachable that the orange faced ladies that work in high class department stores. Wearing polo shirts and trousers, they're easily spotted and there's usually a staff member close to hand as they tidy shelves and rails of clothes. In my experience, they've always been friendly and keen to help, even if their product knowledge isn't deserving of a gold star.

The layout varies from store to store but departments include beauty with a separate perfume counter, separate men's, women's and children's clothing departments, shoes, electricals, entertainment (CDs and DVDs), homewares and in many of the stores I have been to a café. Often the shelves and clothes rails are in need of a tidy but for me, this adds to this all adds to the thrill of finding a bargain. And there are many bargains to be had.

TJ Hughes sells more brand names than you could shake a hat at. If you have a store locally, it's well worth looking in your local freebie paper for a weekly supplement of their latest offerings. I'm a big fan of the beauty section which has been known to stock cosmetics by Benefit, Urban Decay, Hard Candy, Pout, Lancome, Nina Ricci and more all for a fraction of the usual selling price. I recently replenished my makeup bag with Pout foundation (£5), Pout concealer (£3), Pout Plump Lipgloss (£5) and Pout Mascara (£4). This would have cost me more than twice as much in a more 'up-market- department store.

The perfume counter is also well stocked with well known brands and I picked up a 100ml bottle of Matthew Williamson Eau de Parfum for £7.99 just a couple of weeks ago. Expect to pay £55 for the exact same perfume in Harvey Nichols or similar. Other brands I've spotted include DKNY, Moschino, Dolce and Gabbana and Britney Spears. Elizabeth Arden perfumes also seem to be permanently on offer at about £6 a bottle.

I've also purchased a mobile phone at TJ Hughes. Two in fact. The first was for my ex who had a habit of breaking phones so I bought him the cheapest I could find which was about £7. Mine set me back around £15 for a Samsung C120. Not a top of the range phone but it does a job. They do have a wide range of phones though at bargain prices.

The electrical department also offers a good selection of both products and brands. That's where I bought my kettle at 50% less than Argos were selling it for. And the homeware department sells bedding, curtains, crockery and all manner of kitchen gadgets. DVDs and CDs are usually older titles, but you won't spend more than a few pounds on each and there are nearly always multibuy offers available. Finally, there's an extensive clothing department. I've only ever shopped in the women's section myself but there is a wide variety of clothes to suit all age ranges. You'll be lucky to find the latest fashions but office staples such as trousers and shirts are very reasonably priced and the Autumn stock always includes plenty of jumpers and coats for the cooler months. As with all the other departments, there are plenty of brand names to be found here also including Regatta coats for around £20 and Wonderbras for a bargain £5 each. Not something I need myself but a few of my friends have appreciated the tip off!

Well, I think that just about concludes our tour of the average TJ Hughes store. Don't forget to pick up a £1 box of chocolates at the counter when you pay (I kid you not!) It may not sell everything, but it's well worth a visit as there are many bargains to be had. I would certainly recommend popping in if you're planning on making a larger electrical purchase as you may be pleasantly surprised by the range of branded items that they have in stock.

There is a website, www.tjhughes.co.uk which gives you a good idea of the products you can expect to find in store. There's also a store finder on the website as I know you'll all be champing at the bit to get to your nearest store after reading this. It seems you can also order online, but I can't comment on that service having never used it. So next time I nip into TJ Hughes, I will keep my eyes peeled for all my fellow Ciaoers as we hunt for bargains!

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Also published on Dooyoo under my alter ego of kitschkitty.