Behind the Edwardian facade of this shop in the Central Arcade lurks J. G. Windows an all purpose music store, selling Cd's, tape and vinyl musical instruments and sheet music. But the facade is not deceiving, because J.G. Windows is in many ways an old-fashioned shop where you can certainly buy all of the latest releases but in an atmosphere that is distinctly different from most other music stores; all the lights are switched on and you can hear yourself speak. Windows has particularly well-stocked classics and jazz sections. If you are buying instruments, the staff are knowledgeable and helpful. The shop offers a rent to buy facility where you can try out an instrument at home for a period of time before committing to buy it.

Music retailers proudly stocking vinyl are a dying breed, but RPM is one such store. Small on the outside but well stocked inside, RPM caters to just about everyone. The target market is more youth-based and the vinyl stocked is mostly dance and hip-hop, but prices are competitive and you will also find a great selection of CDs, new and old. They also specialize in limited edition boxed sets. There are always offers and sales on, so stop by and grab a bargain. Tickets for most concerts in and around Newcastle can also be bought from here.

Housed in a former Victorian mill, Seven Stories is an amalgamation of a bookstore, a museum and learning gallery that is solely dedicated to children's literature. Found here are exciting books and activities for kids, that are not just a source of entertainment but are also educational. The bookshop features plenty of interesting books for children of all ages, from nursery rhymes to short stories and even a few activity books. At the exhibition center and learning space, kids are treated to a series of great activities from creative writing and story telling to painting and craft, which the bets of which are exhibited at the gallery.