Summer is shopping season in Plymouth city centre

WITH its wide open shopping streets, stunning central piazza and vast air-conditioned mall there is no doubt that summer is shopping season in Plymouth.

Retailers across the city have rolled out events and offers to make the most of warmer days and longer nights.

Whether you're looking to stock up on summer essentials or looking to while away a few warm hours in the city centre, there are plenty of options.

If you're heading for the beach, Primark in Drake Circus has a 50 per cent off sale on seasonal products including swimwear, beachwear, sunglasses, sandals and other ranges.

And if you're looking for a book for the beach then Waterstones in New George Street has events throughout July and August where you can pick up something to read, meet an author and discuss top titles with fellow readers.

On July 23 Gill Lewis will be signing copies of her debut novel Sky Hawk from 11am. The store's Reading Group meets from 7pm to 8.30pm on July 28 to discuss The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller. Chris Elmes will be signing her historical novel The Overcoming from 11am on August 6, Jacky Newcomb will be signing her books on August 13 with Chat-It's Fate's mystery agony aunt and Kit Berry will be signing her books on August 20 as her new book Shadows of Stonewylde is released.

If you're looking for something a little more extreme, the Animal Bike Show hits Plymouth on July 30, filling the Piazza with demonstrations of extreme sport, and throughout the day there will be a free gift with every purchase at the Animal store in Drake Circus.

If you can't wait for the end of the month the shop also has a sale starting on July 9 offering up to 50 per cent off.

If you're looking for a snack to go with all that extreme shopping, whether at the start of the day or when you're done, D&M's cafe in Frankfort Gate is now offering a continetntal breakfast of a croissant, jam, and a coffee or juice for £2 and two baguettes with a bottle of drink for £4.50.

Or you could try Jake's Cafe in Cornwall Street where a breakfats with hot drink and toast is just £4.45.

And you can pick up a hot drink and cake of the day for £2.95 at ArtFrame Gallery and caffe in Cornwall Street. The venue offers free wi-fi and as well as selling original paintings, sculptures, ceramics glass and jewellery it also offers cleaning, conservation and restoration of artwork.

The gallery is also offering 20 per cent off framing for a limited time.

And if you want to round-off that picnic or meal with luxurious summer chocolate then Hotel Chocolat in Drake Circus has a range of summer chocaltes on offer.

A spokesman said: "Whatever you have planned this summer, Hotel Chocolat’s new collection of summer chocolates is bursting with fresh, light recipes for the warmer season - from picnics in the park, alfresco dinner parties and beach barbecues, to summer weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. Sure to brighten everyone's day, come rain or shine!

"Some flavours just deserve an entire box all to themselves - flavours that catch the imagination, demand the limelight and inspire unadulterated love. So choose the one you love then sit back, relax and immerse yourself in it."

Jama Uneek on Cornwall Street is already looking forward to the months ahead when the nights draw in and the weather turns cold - in particular Halloween.

The store has 100 fancy dress outfits on sale at half price in order to make way for Halloween stock coming in the next few months.

It also has a range of new lines including Mr Bump, Mr T, Lady Gaga and Cheryl Cole and there are discounts on selected dance shows as the shop gets ready for the back to school dance equipment rush.

And, of course, there's no point being seen on the street or the beach if you haven't got the latest high-tech gadget to show off.

Mail Boxes etc on Mayflower Street has launched a new offer which sees you earn points for printing, which you can exchange for the latest Apple gadgets.

Martin in the store said: "Our printing is always exceptionally fruity, offering succulent colours, a fresh and exciting range and truly sweet prices. But buy during July, August and September 2011 and we are offering you real Apples as well.

"Simply select the products you need from our comprehensive print range and when you order we will award you points. The more points you collect the more exciting and enticing the Apple reward.

"Spend £50 from our Print Catalogue to get one point. 10 points win an iPod Shuffle, 20 points win an iPod Nano, 40 points win an iPod Touch, 60 points win an iPhone 3GS and 95 points win an iPad."

If you need somewhere to park the kids while you shop, Rileys is offering a summer of pool, snooker, darts and Nintendo Wii for all 10 to 17 year olds.

After paying a one-off fee of £20 per child, you can leave your young ones at Rileys in Courtenay Street between 10am and 6pm every day in July and August with no additional cost.

This is a limited offer - first come, first served.

If you're looking to tone up, slim down or just feel a little healthier then from Saturday, July 9, for a limited period, Healthy Pulses at 95 Cornwall Street and 96b Ridgeway, Plympton are offering a 20 per cent discount off all Sports Supplements including Maximuscle, PhD, Muscletech, Reflex, Atlas, Nutrisport and USN. And there are big savings on Quest Super Once a Day Multivitamins/Minerals with £2 off 30 tablets down to £5.19, £5 off 90 tablets down to £11.69 and £10 off 180 tablets down to £19.89 (whilst stocks last).

Or, if you need a new pair of glasses to go with your new summer fashions - or perhaps you want to be able to see while you swim - Optical Express opticians in Plymouth provide professional eye tests, as well as laser eye surgery consultations nearby with leading laser eye surgery specialists.

The group's three opticians across Plymouth are in Cornwall Street, Broadway and Tesco at Transit Way.

And if you need a little extra cash to help you with all this shopping then Cash Converters in New George Street will buy your unwanted items for cash - and you can even arrange to buy them back after you get back from your summer break.

Once the holiday is over you can visit Truprint in Cornwall Street where the staff have set up an Inspiration Station, this area allows staff to help you create unique products using your images by modifying the pictures, adding text, creating a photo book and more.

Do you have a favourite shop or do you know of a shop in Plymouth offering summer events/offers - add your comment to be included.