Friendly, helpful shop staff

Apart from being taken by surprise that everyone and their dog seems to be shopping today (surely earlier than last year? So where's the evidence of the black hole in our economy then?) I keep being pleasantly surprised by the politeness and helpfulness of shop staff faced with hoardes of people.

Spotted some excellent stocking fillers in Robert Dyas (on North Street) this morning - can't say exactly what but for anyone looking for something fun, inexpensive and not totally useless I urge you to have a trawl through their stock - and came away happy.

Managed to spend about £16 or so on three things that will be useful, welcomed and a bit fun (I hope) for some youngsters in the family.

The staff were terrific - nothing was too much trouble and they make you feel welcome despite the queues behind you at the tills.