Hawkins Bazaar Southampton

Right what it says on the tin. Hawkins Bazaar is truly a Bazaar with a large range of products. but if I’m completely honest. a bit Bizarre too. Every time I visit this shop (much like its temporary Fareham counterpart) I leave with feelings of a ‘mixed bag’. I’m in Southampton fairly regularly as luckily I have a client that’s located not 6 mins door to door. very handy for a quick visit. However each time I visit this shop I leave feeling a little underwhelmed on all accounts. I love toy shops and gift shops, I’m a big kid really, but this one just doesn’t hit the nail on the head on anything quite right. I love the fact they have a large number of product demo’s to play with. shops rarely do this these days so it’s always nice to know exactly what it is you’re buying but the compliments end there unfortunatly. The products are quite dated and a bit old hat these days. yes nostalgia is a nice thing but not THIS much. I rarely find anything that’s truly new or really exciting here. In my opinion it started to go down hill ever since they were bought back in 2006. the care and effort seem to get sucked out of them. The staff are far from the best either. not very smiley or knowledgable which I find ‘Bazaar’ considering they work in a toy shop. One matter which is a real sore point with me when it comes to shops and resturants is ensuring they are Clean and Tidy. and simply put, Hawkins Bazaar aren’t.and I’ve been to many. Considering the sheer number of staff in this small shop (I believe it was 4 last time I visited and only 2 customers) I find it gobsmacking the sheer number of toys and games strewn across the floor, finger prints all over glass windows and displays and a dirty floor. All this whilst the staff are happily chatting to one another without a care in the world. In my book this just won’t do. In Summary, a well located shop right in the heart of Southampton but a let down on all accounts. Boring products and too much nostalgia hint that this businesses’ good times are well and truly passed. Its only plus coming from a good choice of product demos. A dirty shop and unknowledgable staff don’t inspire me to part with my cash. so often I leave empty handed. A Shame. I score Hawkins Bazaar Southampton ²⁄₅.

This is such a great shop for things to buy people who have everything! It is full of toys, puzzles, mind benders, tricks and novelty items. I usually spend an hour in this shop as most items are available to try so you can find yourself trying out a mind bending puzzle or playing with a wind up toy! Be warned if you go in with a young child then they are bound to pull something down or knock something over as it’s a bit of a mine field. I think the items here are more for adults but there are some things suitable for younger kids. Just don’t’ take them in the shop (2 and younger) as you may end up paying for a broken item! Shame the shop is in the Marlands as I don’t’ tend to go there often.

Hawkins is pretty good for gadgets and toys and does stock a good range for a modern gadget shop, most now have a limited range of stock and hardly any of it on display and have it all behind counters or in cabinets.
Its great for kids and adults who want toys, joke things, party stuff, or stocking fillers!

This has to be the most fun and random toyshop in the High Street! I love going in here to look at all the weird and wonderful toys for both adults and children. No matter whose birthday or christmas you want to celebrate you will find something in here. There are also plenty of toys for weekend fun such as drinking games etc If you’re looking for retro games from your childhood then this is the place to go.

There are lots of weird and wonderful things in this shop and I think you would be hard pushed not to find something for everyone, the variety is amazing. The shop looks lovely and is very well laid out so that there is plenty of walking space. Considering how much stock there is, it never seems very busy even with a lot of people in there. The staff are a bit hit and miss though. They seemed more interested in having a laugh and I did not feel comfortable approaching them. The store was very clean though and at a nice temperature.

Lots of fun gadgets for people who easily run out of Xmas ideas. Staff is friendly and you may just be able to feel extremely nostalgic when you find this very old game you used to have but cannot find anymore.

Nice medium sized store with lots of toys to buy. Theres even some toys that you had when you were younger. Even the silly toys catch your attention. The staff are sometimes helpful or demostrating some new toys on the shop floor and the products are clearly labelled and displayed nicely. The place looks refreshing, clean and exciting when you walk into the shop.

Fantastic shop, with loads of quirky toys, books and games. I’ve found lots of things in there that I’ve bought for myself, when I’m supposed to be looking for a gift for someone else! It is a bit small, but the shelves are literally packed with all sorts of novelties. Just be aware, that if you’re taking children in, some of the things are aimed at adults (usually towards the back at the shop) and you might want to keep an eye on what they’re looking at! However, it is a great shop for kids, who will be nagging you to buy things for them as soon as you step foot in the door.

A good place to find unusual gifts. They have some of their products out of the packing that you can look at before you buy. They sell lots of cheap pocket money toys and toys from when you were younger. The staff always seem happy to help and know about the items they are selling.

As soon as you walk in here. you will become 7 again! Honestly this place is so full of all the things you had or wanted when you were a child that it is almost overwelming. From the magic tree which blossoms infront of your eyes to the wind up toys they have all the old favourites. There is something charming about the distinct lack of technologically clever toys, it is a real back to basics toy store. They do toys for big kids too, controversial things like fighting nuns, the bunny suicides etc it is a great place to find gems for secret santa presents as well as stocking fillers. Children love the place as the staff encourage the kids to play with everything in the store and much of what is on sale is available for them to buy for a few pounds. look out for the old fashioned practical jokes such as sweets that turn your tongue black!

This shop is brilliant for small and big kids, it has all the little toys you had when you were younger that you’d forgotten about. Great for buy stocking presents at christmas! i love this shop and reccommend it to anyone, theres always something fun to do in there and the staff are all fun and have toys whizzing around the floor.