Calling all shoppers – every Friday we run a column called Store Wars in which we review shops that appear on most high streets and ask you to tell us which you think performs best.
As well as giving us some brilliant feedback on the stores in question, readers have frequently asked us to give a bit of attention to smaller retailers – independent shops that don't always get the attention they deserve. So we have decided to make this Friday's Store Wars an independent stores special.
We're opening the column to the floor and inviting you to contribute by submitting a review of a store local to you, so we can hopefully get a better spread of outlets across the UK.
The focus this time will be on grocery stores. Reviews need to be balanced and unbiased (so I'm afraid you can't review your own shop) and ideally you will review a store you don't know that well, so you can look at it with fresh eyes.
If you would like to take part, please email your review to hilary.osborne@guardian.co.uk or post it below. You will need to act fast, as we will need the review by 3.00pm on Thursday 26 January. You will need to cover the following areas where possible:
Store name
Background
The visit
What it sells
First impressions
What were the staff like?
Best bargain
What does it charge for a pint of milk or a tinned of Heinz baked beans?
Where can I pay? (how many tills, how long is the queue etc)
Is loyalty rewarded?
Lasting impressions
Overall rating ?/10
On Friday we will round up our favourites and see if any other readers have visited the stores in question.
