Harding’s

Luggage is one of those items that, upon discovering that I had accidentally become an adult, I found I didn’t have a clue where to get it from. I went through my childhood considering luggage to be just one of those things that appears when you need it, and goes away when you don’t, much like spatulas. I could never have conceived of a world where there was such a high and constant demand for luggage to necessitate dedicated shops. It seemed insane to me.
However, after the shock of adulthood had passed and I realised I did actually need to purchase luggage, I was eternally grateful for this shop. Before discovering this place, I was faced with the terrifying prospect of maybe, just maybe, having to go to Argos and using their infernal system to purchase my suitcases. I object to Argos on two grounds; firstly, you usually can’t see what you’re buying before you buy it, and secondly, it just seems so uncouth to get your goods brought to you by number,.
So, just before I headed off to Argos, I had a fateful chat with my dad. I mentioned my destination and the reason for it, and he called me an idiot and told me to go to Harding’s, where you can actually see the suitcase before you buy it so you have a proper idea of the size. So God bless you, Harding’s. I didn’t know you existed until I needed you, and when I did, there you were.

I used to be handbag obsessed, but I’ve calmed down a bit since I’ve realised I need money for more important things like food and rent. But naturally I still flock to any store like Harding’s that showcases a bit of leather arm candy.
Before I even had a chance to look around, I warmed to this store once I heard Jackie Wilson’s «(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher» wafting through the shop floor. My shopping experiences are inexplicably influenced by the kind of background music shop owners choose to play.
Harding’s offers a selection of handbags, luggage and travel accessories to customers with a range of tastes and budgets. Most of the handbags were on sale when I went in there, some priced as low as £15. Suitcase, coats, purses and travel kits were also on display, from brands like Antler and Revelation.
The cheerful shop assistant greeted me when I walked in and allowed me a no-​hassle browsing opportunity, to which I’m always grateful.