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The Works – Southend-on-Sea

Affordable gifts, books, art supplies and toys in the heart of Southend-on-Sea’s High Street.

4.3

Nestled in Southend-on-Sea’s bustling High Street, The Works is a vibrant discount shop offering a wide range of affordable gifts, books, art and craft supplies, stationery, toys, and school essentials. Brightly lit and neatly organized, it’s a go-to spot for families, students, and creatives looking for quality items without the price tag. Whether you need a birthday present, a new sketchpad, or classroom basics, this store delivers variety and value in a convenient town-centre location.

A brief summary to The Works

  • 169-171 High St, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1LL, GB
  • +441702339055
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter, more relaxed shopping experience with easier access to staff and stock.
  • Check the seasonal and promotional sections for extra value – these often feature themed gifts, decorations, and discounted stationery or toys.
  • Bring a reusable bag if you plan to buy several items; the store doesn’t always provide bags, and it’s more eco-friendly.
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The Works location weather suitability

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Discover more about The Works

A One-Stop Shop for Creativity and Essentials

Tucked into the heart of Southend-on-Sea’s High Street, The Works is a bright, welcoming discount store that brings together books, art supplies, stationery, toys, and school essentials under one roof. Its shelves are packed with everything from colouring pencils and sketchbooks to greeting cards, puzzles, and seasonal decorations, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors. The layout is straightforward and easy to navigate, with clearly marked sections that help you quickly find what you need, whether it’s a last-minute gift, a new novel, or classroom supplies for the term.

What You’ll Find Inside

Browse through a thoughtfully curated mix of products that cater to all ages and interests. The book section features bestsellers, children’s titles, and activity books, while the art and craft area offers paints, brushes, modelling clay, and craft kits for budding artists. Stationery lovers will appreciate the wide selection of pens, notebooks, and planners, and parents can stock up on school supplies, lunch boxes, and lunch bags. Toy shelves are filled with popular brands, games, and educational kits, and there’s always a good range of seasonal items, from Christmas decorations to Easter eggs and summer outdoor toys.

A Shop for All Ages and Occasions

The Works is especially popular with families and students, thanks to its practical, budget-friendly approach. Children enjoy exploring the toy and activity sections, while teens and adults appreciate the creative supplies and stationery. It’s a handy place to pick up a birthday card with a matching gift, a thoughtful present for a teacher, or a small treat for yourself. The staff are generally helpful and knowledgeable, happy to point you toward the right section or suggest age-appropriate toys and craft kits. With regular promotions and value deals, it’s easy to walk away with several items without stretching your budget.

Practical and Convenient Location

Situated in a busy shopping area, The Works benefits from excellent foot traffic and easy access to other shops, cafés, and public transport. The store is on the ground floor with step-free access, making it suitable for pushchairs and mobility aids. Inside, there are clear signage, wide aisles, and a relaxed pace that makes browsing comfortable even on busier days. While it’s not a large department store, the efficient layout ensures that you can cover the whole shop in a short visit, making it ideal for a quick stop during a day out in Southend-on-Sea.

When to Visit

The shop is open seven days a week, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays. Weekdays tend to be quieter, especially in the mornings, while weekends and school holidays bring more families and shoppers. It’s worth checking for seasonal sales and special offers, which often coincide with back-to-school periods, Christmas, and Easter. If you’re looking for a calm shopping experience, aim for a weekday morning or early afternoon; if you’re after the full range of seasonal stock, a visit in the run-up to a holiday is usually best.

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