Page One Books & News

Page One is a newsagents with an almost Tardis-​like quality, as although it may look like an ordinary shop from the outside, it is quite possibly one of the longest stores I have ever visited. The row upon rows of magazines are seemingly never-​ending, with everything from yachting magazines to Total Tattoo, along with local publications such as the Ulster Tatler. The shop also sells an extremely wide range of local newspapers and advertisement papers– which ironically enough is a rarity in a lot of newsagents.
As well as magazines, Page One also stocks a large selection of books– a lot of which are by local authors. Although there is usually a ‘bargain shelf’ of books (ranging from £2.99– £4.99) I have found that a lot of the books are sold at their R.R.P. which is much more expensive than the offers found at book chain stores. If you are an avid reader (like myself) and are constantly searching for the latest release, Page One may not be your best bet– as the majority of their books have been published for quite some time.
Another aspect of Page One is its ‘bargain tables’ which are laden with an array of seasonal gifts (usually selection boxes at Christmas and chocolate eggs at Easter). These are located at the front of the shop, but are generally more expensive than supermarket prices. The shop also sells sandwiches, drinks and snacks for any hungry passers-​by! There is a good range of confectionary– including local brands. The homemade fudge (usually found in baskets at the counter) is to die for!
After trekking past the shelves of magazines and books in the shop’s Sahara-​like heat (caused by a lack of air-​conditioning) we finally reach the back of the store– where (more shelves) of stationary, cards and wrapping paper can be found. Although there is a large stock of cards and wrapping paper, I find it a lot more expensive when compared to other shops (such as Birthdays) and at times the designs are quite dated.
All in all, Page One is quite a good independent newsagents and is perfect when in search of an obscure magazine or local book. But if you’re looking for the latest bestseller or some snazzy wrapping paper, then you may want to venture elsewhere.

This bookstore is seriously l-​o-​n-​g. I counted the steps from front to back and it was 54 big size 8 footsteps.
If you go in you will be surprised at how much they stock, from magazine about hatching and rearing birds to packets of biscuits. This really is a readers Aladdin’s cave.
I wanted to get a magazine on hair styles and one on Psychology. There were 8 different magazines on hair so I gave up — I’m not great with lots of choice. I did pick up a popular Psychology magazine and when I walked the long walk from the back to the front to pay the lady at the desk was intrigued by my choice.
After a conversation with her and her daughter, who also works there, about sibling rivalry and Play stations I was able to pay. I found the woman really friendly and I love it when someone takes an interest in what I’m reading.
I think, from now on, if I want a novel, a post card, a greetings card, a magazine on some obscure topic or a packet of HobNobs I will call into Page One.

The fact that I’ve never made it to the back of Page One (should that not be page 200 and something then?) is testament to just how big a newsagents it is. In fact, I couldn’t even tell you what lies at the back…
As for the front, well that’s an entirely different matter. They have a huge, and I mean completely ginormous, range of magazines lining the right and wall, as well as the left wall beyond the till (that’s where all the girly mags hide). There’s a good range of well-​priced confectionery, plus a good few deals to be had too. I used to pop in and grab three packs of Salted McCoys (which are darn impossible to find *anywhere*) for a £1…bargain! You’ll find 3 bars of chocolate for 90p, 2 packets of sweets for 50p — that sort of thing.
At Christmas /​Easter /​Hallowe’en, there are always bargains to be had on seasonal chocolates and sweets… look our for them! They’ll be on the tables at the front of the shop. At the minute, there’s a selection of extremely well-​priced books available in place of the sweets etc on these tables. Can’t say I had ever spotted them before, but there you go.
Come to think of it, maybe that’s what lies beneath, I mean beyond…
Mmm.

Page One is a bit like ‘Dr Whos tardis’, doesn’t look big from the outside but when you go through the door it seems to go on for ever! It is a good book with a great range of magazines and books, both paper and hard backed, school related bits and pieces and not forgetting sweets and drinks.