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School: The High Street
Pupil: The Works Bookshop
Age: 23
~ English ~
The Works has shown a reasonable understanding of the English language during the term with her area of special interest being books on a variety of subjects including sport, local history, art ... Read review
Advantages: Cheap books Disadvantages: Can rarely find what you're looking for
This opinion is part of the "School Report" write-off organised by teacherofhooch. Full details can be found on her personal homepage. If you decide to join in, please let her know.
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School: The High Street
Pupil: The Works Bookshop
Age: 23
~ English ~
The Works has shown a reasonable understanding of the English language during the ... ...can surprise on occasion with the unusual choices she makes.
Perhaps a little too keen on celebrity biographies and would therefore benefit from developing a broader variety of available subjects to enable her to hold their own amongst other bookshops.
She’s shown initiative within the language by making dictionaries and other simple language aids, including crossword solvers, available at reduced prices.
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This opinion is part of the "School Report" write-off organised by teacherofhooch. Full details can be found on her personal homepage. If you decide to join in, please let her know.
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School: The High Street
Pupil: The Works Bookshop
Age: 23
~ English ~
The Works has shown a reasonable understanding of the English language during the term with her area of special interest being books on a variety of subjects including sport, local history, art and design, gardening and health.
Unfortunately, she hasn’t shows a great deal of interest in classic literature although she can surprise on occasion with the unusual choices she makes.
Perhaps a little too keen on celebrity biographies and would therefore benefit from developing a broader variety of available subjects to enable her to hold their own amongst other bookshops.
She’s shown initiative within the language by making dictionaries and other simple language aids, including crossword solvers, available at reduced prices.
7/10
***
~ Math ~
The Works shows an understanding of prices and percentages that’s far more advanced than one would normally expect from a shop specialising in this particular product.
She’s learned to make profits by bulk-buying clearance stock (books that aren’t selling well at their recommended retail prices) but that would still be of interest to a large proportion of the public. By passing on part of her own savings to customers, she’s been able to create a quick turnover thus ensuring that funds aren’t tied up in products with a long shelf life.
Happily selling books at heavily discounted prices (often at fifty percent or more below their RRP), she’s become a popular pupil at The High Street.
10/10
***
~ Science ~
Although showing an interest in general science, especially that which is aimed at teaching children a basic understanding of the world around them and how things work, she has yet to progress to books of a more advanced scientific nature. However, this is undoubtedly due to the lack of interest in such specialised subjects amongst the general public.
Sadly, if you’re looking for a book on quantum physics, I’m afraid The Works just wouldn’t have the knowledge necessary to help you.
4/10
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~ PE ~
Various books on physical exercise can be found including those aimed at toning specific areas of the body as well as those containing general exercise regimes.
As The Works prefers to focus on the most popular areas of any given subject there is little in the way of specialised training to be found. She’s occasionally produced some very good work related to football techniques, golfing, swimming and other sports but these are never her main focus.
6/1
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~ RE ~
The Works shows very little interest in cultural matters with religion being no exception.
The Bible can usually be found in her presence, both for adults and in picture versions suitable for children of various ages, but I believe her general lack of interest is merely a reflection of the general public’s demands. Whilst many still like to have a Bible available, few are interested in acquiring a deeper understanding of world religions.
3/10
***
~ ART ~
One of The Works favourite subjects and if I were forced to choose a subject at which she excels, this would be the one.
Books are available for both adults and children offering information on various areas of the arts. Books on the old masters, understanding techniques and basic how-to books are all offered alongside a basic range of art materials which, although not extensive enough for the accomplished artist, would definitely be helpful to those who are just starting out.
9/10
***
~ DESIGN, CRAFT AND TECHNOLOGY ~
The Works shows a reasonably wide interest in the subject although again, there’s little in the way of specialist books to be found.
Interior and garden design are usually well covered and more often than not, there are books about card-making and other popular crafts available. Technology is perhaps not quite as well covered although books about cars, motorcycles and airplanes are generally available. Craft supplies for children are readily available.
Jigsaw puzzles that promote an understanding of design and, to a certain extent, technology (putting little pieces together so that they’ll work as a whole), are available. These depict anything from cute kittens through landscapes to cartoons.
8/10
***
~ ICT ~
Considering the popularity of computers and internet, The Works shows remarkably little interest in this subject. My guess is that these books sell well at their RRPs and therefore aren’t available for bulk-buying at reduced prices. Some books can be found but certainly not those that are most popular or helpful.
2/10
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~ HISTORY ~
I’m very pleased to report that The Works shows a sound interest in history, especially local history and can often offer books on specific subjects such as the history of the motorcar and the history of money.
A reasonable selection of children’s history books are also available.
7/10
***
~ PSHE ~
Health and general social matters are both taken seriously and educational books related to sex although not quite as widely available are to be found on the shelves from time to time.
The shops are kept clean and staff are generally friendly and happy to exchange a little banter during quieter periods. Some sexual innuendo may occur, depending on the age and gender of the assistant with which the banter is being exchanged. This, however, is entirely up to the customer and how he/she approaches the staff.
Greeting cards and gift wrap are available in store to help those wishing to present friends and family with tokens of their love and/or appreciation, thus helping preserve and promote a healthy social attitude.
8/10
***
~ GEOGRAPHY ~
By situating shops in town centres and popular shopping malls, The Works has shown a keen eye for both geography and demography.
As a subject, geography coverage is somewhat fuzzy although one can generally find some picture books from various places within the UK and the world in general. The children’s section, however, usually contains a reasonable selection of books related to geography, several of which have been suitable for those studying at the first three key stage levels.
6/10
***
~ MUSIC ~
Availability of books covering various musical subjects is sparodic although I have found books such as “Top 10 hits through the 90” and “Learn Guitar Chords” so they’re obviously trying.
Cds are available although these aren’t of the popular variety. However, some may suffice as gifts for those who enjoy the music of the old crooners, Broadway hits and the likes.
4/10
***
~ GENERAL COMMENT ~
The Works shows a keen interest in matters that are popular with the general public but those looking for books on a specific subject will more likely find what they need elsewhere.
However, it’s certainly worth popping in on a regular basis as a variety of specialist books can regularly be found. If you’re lucky enough to find something of special interest to you, do buy it immediately as books available one week will often be sold out the following week.
If you enjoy celebrity biographies, The Works is the place to head for. She always has a variety available at vastly reduced prices. One example was Geri Halliwell’s autobiography which was available at £2.99. Please, however, bear in mind that by celebrity I’m not only referring to pop-stars; there are also biographies, both auto and otherwise, about politicians and royalty. I’m sure there are more but I’m not about to nip down there to look right now. Anyway, it’s Sunday.
Whenever I’ve needed pens, rulers, protractors and the likes for the children’s schooling, I always look in The Works first. They generally have a decent selection including highlighting pens, pencils, glue and crayons/felt tips all at very reasonable prices.
I’d also recommend The Works for children’s books. I’ve bought lots of lovely books as presents and again, the prices are always well below what you’d pay in most other bookshops. The range isn’t a great as in the larger bookshops but it’s worthwhile browsing here first before moving further along the street.
Some paperback fiction is available although this wouldn’t be my first port of call when looking for this particular kind of book. Having said that, I must add that I have, on occasion, found fiction that’s kept me going on long journeys etc. Most are available at prices between £1 and £3.
By visiting the website at www.theworks.gb.com, you can download a 5% discount voucher. Not much, I agree, but when you’re on a budget, every little helps. The Works have also shown initiative by providing website visitors with a shop location facility.
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~ TARGET FOR NEXT YEAR ~
To continue offering books at extremely reasonable prices whilst endeavouring to offer a greater choice of fiction. Although 20 million customers a year is an impressive figure, there’s room for expansion. Perhaps a web based shop would be something to consider.
Signed: Fru Blom
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This opinion is part of the "School Report" write-off organised by teacherofhooch. Full details can be found on her personal homepage. If you decide to join in, please let her know.
Advantages: Cheap, random selection Disadvantages: Random selection, rather hit and miss
...chains like Morisons, Wilkinsons and the like. Unfortunately Oxford does not have many of these, The Works is about the only cheap shop there is – though there are two or three of these (on in the Westgate Centre next to Sainsburys, one on Cornmarket Street and maybe one on the High Street). I don’t know how many branches there are nation wide; but I know there’s also a branch in Colchester, which is much the same.
What do they sell?
The Works ... ...pieces from time to time. The books tend to be slightly obscure, but are often going cheap. There seem to be a lot of biographies of D-list celebrities, for example Ulrika’s Johnson’s ‘Honest’ hardback – was £16.99, Works price £2.99. These kind of discounts are quite common, and sometimes I wonder how they do them (especially when books bear previous higher prices from other shops). The books are often those that haven’t sold well or are now out ...
a-true-ben 22.06.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Works
Advantages: Good Variety,Great offers Disadvantages: Not always the best quality
The Works is a very nice, cheap and with great variety of books shop. I have been in several around Britain. I liked the one in Newport S. Wales but I’m shopping mainly from the one in Preston or the one in Chorley, Lancashire.
The layout and the presentation of the shops are almost the same wherever I have been. They differ only in size and quantity.
Why To Go There.
You can go there if you want buy books really cheap. That’s a great reason to ... ...Can Find
Children Books
The children section is usually the first near the door for obvious reasons. The book that I noticed from that section was an amazing Face Painting book. You can have really good fun with the kids. On offer for only £2. I almost bought it even though I don’t have children.
COOKERY BOOKS
One of the big sections is the cookery books. Really great variety of books with recipes. Here you can find Delia’s Vegetarian Collection ...
vassilis73 20.06.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Works
Advantages: Cheap. Good for buying presents. Disadvantages: Sell a lot of titles you've never heard of....
The Works is a discount bookstore which can be found on many high streets. I have browsed around a fair few discount bookstores, but have always found this store to be the best in it’s class. Overall, I tend to find that a lot of discount bookstores sell a lot of uninteresting titles, & books you’ve never heard of. The Works does also fall into this category, but seems to also sell more bestsellers than other stores (often current ones at that), ... ...to genre & are for the most part stacked on shelves with the cover facing forwards, so that you can see at a glance what titles are in stock. The more popular fiction & bestsellers are laid out on tables at the front of the store, with reference books & childrens books being on shelves running down the sides & back of the store. I love the childrens books here - there are some really good 'fun' educational books, & it's always a great place to pick ...
sambam000 13.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Works
Advantages: Very cheap Disadvantages: Small errors.
Discount books at their best! The Works sells a wide range of books, stationery, music and films all at reduced prices. Most of the books I have bought from The Works have been very enjoyable reads; although occasionally when they have massive sales and reduce everything to 20p I buy a load of books that I know I will never get round to reading but like the thought of having a book to read should I want one. I find it very frustrating that the big ... ...half as much to produce! The Works is one place that I can buy books from without feeling resentment to the middle-man who makes a ton of money because I have bought a book for £14.99 when it cost less than 50p to produce! One thing I must say though, is that a lot of the recipe books sold in The Works have small errors in them which can be disastrous when baking! Also the index in some of their books can be wrong...the page number it says in the ...
Rosie158 30.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Works
Advantages: Lot of books to buy Disadvantages: Lot of books to buy. Can get expensive!
The Works. This is one of my favourite bookshops, as you are almost always sure of a bargain. Although every branch of The Works should be the same (and they all follow the same basic design, bearing in mind restrictions resulting from shape and size of premises, etc., all branches seem slightly different. For example, the branch in New Street, Birmingham , is different from the branch in over New Street Station, which is different again from the ... ...branch in Telford.
The idea behind The Works is a simple one Publishers think that new books only have a very limited shelf life. To this end they sell books on a sale or return basis. New books that are not sold through ordinary bookshops are sold through publisher's remainders bookshops such as The Works.
What books does The Works sell? Art (including history of art, art appreciation, how to books, etc) history, music, TV programmes, books on ...
Martinscholes 30.09.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Works
Layout & presentation
Selection & range
Availability
In store customer service
Staff knowledge
Atmosphere
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