Loaded

Originally called Reload, I don’t think I had ever been inside this shop before, because it is dominated by the enormous sunglasses stand out the front which sells ‘Dezeiner’ sunglasses (cheap versions of designer styles, all for about £5 — £15). Inside it sells the sort of stuff you expect to find at Camden Lock; punky t-​shirts, studded bags, neon tutus and fairy wings. There is also a large section of a wall devoted to various styles of straw cowboy hats. It’s not terribly expensive, aforementioned cowboy hats are £9.95, for example, but then, neither is it very nice. Oddly, you have to go through this shop to get to the two small, unrelated shops upstairs; Daydream Nation and Edgeworld records.

I’m not quite enough of a punk rocker to buy anything from Reload, but it did have an interesting selection of t-​shirts, tank tops and accessories. Several of the images were pop icons and retro images; others were skulls. An odd combination, I thought.
One side wall contained a mass of women’s brightly coloured accessories: headscarves, bandanas, leg warmers, fingerless gloves, and studded belts. I was interested in the sunglasses, actually — they were on for £5 each. Good deal.
The sales clerk was rocking out to the music whilst I browsed and didn’t seem to notice me. Punk music, punk style — if these are your things, check out Reload.

I’ve never stepped inside Reload, but then I’ve never had to. Their awesome sunglasses are always stood outside, blocking half the street. Retailing for around £5, the shades at this store are great, and based on that small aspect of this awesome shop, I’d happily give it 4 stars, and recommend it to all you darkness loving people.