An Aladdin's cave of kitsch. With everything from Hello Kitty purses to Eskimo slippers, Blackout is the ideal place for weird gifts and unique home accessories. The staff are a widely traveled collective. They can be trusted to advise on which accessory matches which eco-friendly scarf. And they're not averse to having a laugh at your choice of joke card from their vast original and recycled range. In fact you leave convinced that their mission in life is to bring you clothes, accessories and delightfully inessential bits and bobs from all over the universe.
The South's largest surf lifestyle store, situated next to Hove Lagoon, has a huge selection of clothes and equipment for the surfer, windsurfer and skateboarder. With over four-thousand wetsuits in stock by manufactures such as O'Neill, Billabong and Reef, Ocean Sports Board Riders is an Aladdin's Cave of goodies. They also stock swimwear, casual clothing, bags and sunglasses if you just want the look without the exertion.
You'll find the Jog Shop at the end of the road which continues on from St James's Street. Obsessed with all that makes the jogging experience complete, they stock trainers, lycra shorts, vests and other clothing in Gore-Tex fabrics at excellent prices. This is either a hangout for joggers or they have plenty of staff, as there always seems to be a lot of people around sharing advice and information about local runs. (You'll find a variety of leaflets for the same purpose.) Other products on sale include energy supplements, knee supports and those all-important socks and blister recovery packs.
This is an authentic Oriental minimarket where you can pick up anything from tinned squid and tai chi slippers to blue and white china tea sets and woks. They sell a wide range of cooking sauces, fresh herbs and vegetables. The staff will be able to advise you on recipes. If you get overwhelmed by the choice you can always let them do the cooking for you. There is a noodle bar upstairs which is excellent value for money.
The Great British Charcuterie Co. serves and sells some of the finest charcuterie, wines and cheese. The store has a wide range of the finest produce and they all are tested and sold fresh to the customers. This shop also supplies to weddings and private events and they also have a varied collection of freshly baked biscuits and cheese cakes.