TRAGO MILLS
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After my review on Trago Mills (Liskeard) I have decided to write about my favourite store of the three (liskeard, Newton Abbot and Falmouth). After the initial debate about whether we wanted a shopping trip down Cornwall or to Exeter and Torquay we could ... Read review
Advantages: there is more to do and its closer to the mainland England Disadvantages: not as well organised as the store at Liskeard
TRAGO MILLS
----------------------
After my review on Trago Mills (Liskeard) I have decided to write about my favourite store of the three (liskeard, Newton Abbot and Falmouth). After the initial debate about whether we wanted a shopping trip down Cornwall or to Exeter and Torquay we could work out which store we really wanted to visit.
In case you have not read the 'Trago Mills Liskeard' review I will give a brief introduction ... ...the South Devon countryside. The Trago Mills store at Newton Abbot is slightly larger than the two stores in Cornwall. It is relatively easy to get to and is situated between Liverton and Heathfield on the A38.
The store is a great place for tourists as the miniature steam railway allows customers the opportunity to view the nearby rolling hills and beautiful wooded views. In fact the whole shopping experience at the Newton Abbot ... more
TRAGO MILLS ---------------------- After my review on Trago Mills (Liskeard) I have decided to write about my favourite store of the three (liskeard, Newton Abbot and Falmouth). After the initial debate about whether we wanted a shopping trip down Cornwall or to Exeter and Torquay we could work out which store we really wanted to visit.
In case you have not read the 'Trago Mills Liskeard' review I will give a brief introduction to the history of Trago. Trago Mills started out in the 1960's as a small shed in Liskeard, South East Cornwall. The founder Mike Robertson bought a selection of items 'up country' and sold them in this shed. The store was designed to sell cheap, affordable products to the locals of Cornwall. Mike Robertson is a well known supporter and has broken many trading laws in the past by insisting to open on Sundays and ignore the metric ruling. The two stores in Newton Abbot, Devon and Falmouth, Cornwall were opened shortly after.
The stores are now owned by local businessman Bruce Robertson son of Mike Robertson. Their connection to anti-EU policies has resulted in 'alleged attacks' on the stores. In 2004 the store went up in flames and has now been completely rebuilt. In the beginning the fire was linked to arson possibly due to the extreme beliefs of Mike and Bruce Robertson, but was later ruled out as an electrical fault. Still it has resulted in the comical nickname 'Trago Grills'.
THE STORE ------------------ The store at Newton Abbot is situated in 100 acres of the South Devon countryside. The Trago Mills store at Newton Abbot is slightly larger than the two stores in Cornwall. It is relatively easy to get to and is situated between Liverton and Heathfield on the A38.
The store is a great place for tourists as the miniature steam railway allows customers the opportunity to view the nearby rolling hills and beautiful wooded views. In fact the whole shopping experience at the Newton Abbot store is more enjoyable with fairground rides, Edwardian penny arcade, steam railway and much more.
As a child I loved hearing the words 'Trago Mills' and 'Newton Abbot' now I have grown up slightly I would rather shop at Liskeard. When I was a lot younger however the fairground used to be a great feature for me as a child. I can remember racing my sister on the go-karts pretending I was Nigel Mansel. The bumper boats, circus tent and Edwardian.
In my opinion, the layout of the Newton Abbot complex compared to the store at Liskeard appears more cluttered. Since it was rebuilt after the fire in 2004 I haven't felt the same way about the store. The book section is a lot smaller and far more cramped than that of Liskeard. Have found on a few occasions that books I could get a Liskeard I cannot get in Newton Abbot. It did used to be the other way however with Newton Abbot being the stronger of the two.
There is also that problem with queuing at checkouts. I rarely have to wait longer than 5-10 minutes at the Liskeard store however in Newton Abbot I have sometimes been waiting for 20 minutes to be served.
PRODUCTS AND PRICES ------------------------------------ The products and the prices are identical to those at Liskeard and Falmouth.
►Bunk Bed - £69.99 (Argos £119.99) ►Leather Boots - £19.99 (Clarks £60) ►Ainsley Harriet Book - £2.95 (Waterstones £8.99) ►Stickers 59p (Ham and Sewell £1.99) ►Fimo Clay 99p (Ham and Sewell £1.79) ►Hamster Cage £9.99 (Local Pet store £22.99) ►Hamster bedding 79p (Wilkinsons 99p)
The above prices are just a quick reference guide so that you can compare the prices.
The only noticeable difference is that local souvenirs such as flags, books, ornaments and fudge are different (being a different County). In Cornwall (Liskeard and Falmouth) there is a lot of emphasis placed on Cornish traditions such as Trelawny, pasties and the flag of St. Piran. In Newton Abbot you can expect to see a small dedication to the local football team (Plymouth Argyle) through green and white flags, books and memorabilia.
The garden centre is situated opposite the main store and again although part of the store is less convenient as products from the garden centre cannot be purchase din the main store resulting in two shopping trips rather than the 'all under one roof' style at Liskeard.
STAFF --------- Unfortunately the staff at Newton Abbot seem to be less polite than the staff at Liskeard. On our last visit we encountered 4 out of 5 members of staff who were rather 'short' and did not smile at all. In all my visits to Liskeard I have met 2-3 rude members of staff the rest have been quite polite.
The staff are very knowledgeable and if you need something they are willing to point you in the right direction. It is always best however to ask an assistant on a particular department any 'specialised' questions, as the staff know very little about other departments, e.g. a member of staff on the sports department will know little about stationary.
PAYING ------------ Debit cards and credit cards can only be used when the total purchase is over £10. The store also accepts cheques, gift vouchers and cash. The queues at the Newton Abbot store can get very busy, the queuing system also results in people pushing in and queue jumping, so can get a bit ugly.
Bags are also charged at 2p for a small carrier or 5p for a large carrier. It is therefore advisable that you take your own bag.
SUMMARY ----------------- Overall Trago Mills Newton Abbot is a great family day out if you plan to spend some time in the arcade, adventure playground or on the rides. Compared to Liskeard however I feel it lacks the shopping experience. If you plan to visit Devon or Somerset Trago Mills Newton Abbot is a reasonable distance for a day out.
This review is on Trago Mills, a family themem park with shopping centre based in Devon just outside a town called Newton Abbot. This site is one out of three Trago Mills sites, the other two being in Cornwall (one at Liskeard theh other at Falmouth). In order to find this particular one, you will find it on the A38 between Plymouth and Exeter. Or rather, closer to Exeter but still on that exact same road! Look for sings to Newton Abbot, although ... ...second. But never fear, as Trago is well signposted from both ways. On entering the site, there is plenty of car parking. But as this is a popular place to come to, then no doubt it will be very busy. So come as early as you can, not only for parking but also because of what there is to do. The main park holds a whle host of activities for people of all ages to do, from their minature railway ride; to their model railway (as seen on Blue Peter!); ...
dynamicnurse 24.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Trago Mills (Newton Abbot)
Advantages: Good value on many goods Disadvantages: Unhelpful staff and some undesirable customers
...gives some good information about Trago Mills near Newton Abbott. Look for Bovey Tracy on the map and it is very close to it.
The direction signs are pretty good and there is a lot of available parking.
I agree with previous review and it was much better before 'the fire' however it is now a cleaner and brighter place to shop. The Liskeard (dobwalls) is bigger I think and does have more variety but is a long way to go if you're in Devon.
The pet ... ...I get the feeling that Trago Mills is getting a little bit less of a bargain. Having said that the current Christmas decorations are really good value and the winter coats are good quality and cheap too. You do have to visit several times to get a feel for the shop and bargains change regularly and don't assume they will stock every size...they won't. Shoes are sometimes a lot cheaper, but you get quality mixed with rubbish.
The worst part of Trago ...
007addict 27.10.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Trago Mills (Newton Abbot)
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If you happen to live in South Devon or East Cornwall, TragoMills is one of the things that you sort of know about instinctively. Like how to crimp a pasty or what to look for to avoid being shot at on one of the live firing ranges on Dartmoor. To the rest of the country it seems to be a bit of a mystery, so I shall endeavour to explain it to the uninitiated.
TragoMills is a big warehouse where lots of things are sold very cheaply.
And there you have it. Not enough detail? Oh all right then.....
I believe there are currently three TragoMills outlets. One at NewtonAbbot in South Devon, one at Liskeard in East Cornwall and one at Falmouth, further down towards the pointy bit in Cornwall. They are beginning to build a new one - not in a south west catchment area like the others, but in Merthyr Tydfil. Go figure ...
