http://catalog.florida.com
This publicity centre provides tourist information on Florida, as well
as showcasing more than a dozen catalogues, which you can order online or
by phone. However, the 'but wait, there's more'-style build-up is so familiar
it's discouraging.
Top of Page |
http://www.idlemedia.co.uk/glowstars/
Remember that skeleton behind the door that lit up when you turned the
lights off at night? Remember that collage of stars on your ceiling so you
thought you were actually sleeping outdoors? Those were Glowstars and they're
now on the Web. There is a choice between mobiles or stickers and as any
light will charge the stars, they glow in the dark for ages. There are whopping
discounts for purchasing across the Web site, although at the moment no
online payments are accepted.
Top of Page |
http://www.magic.co.uk/
Conjured, quite literally, out of thin air, this catalogue contains
a magnificent box of tricks Ü vanishing coins, shrinking ropes, crooked
playing cards, beakers and balls, snide flowers, magic wands, those sneaky
linking ring things and make-a-giraffe modelling balloons. With more props
than Paul Daniels, there's enough to keep most beginners occupied, though
no handcuffs, sacks and fishtanks or stuff for sawing people in half Ü
shame! There's also a strong selection of magic links. Now you see it. Now
you don't.
Top of Page |
http://www.bucc.co.uk/tehel
Still waiting for spring to arrive? Got incredibly cold ears? A reversable
personal bobble hat could be the answer to all your prayers. Select a design,
a few words or even your email address and have it knitted into a piece
of handy headgear. Then, when you've tired of one design, turn it inside
out and it's like having a whole new hat to wear. Warm, woolly and ordered
over the Web. Hurrah!
Top of Page |
http://www.ibmpcug.co.uk/~ecs/mall.html
Hoping to capitalise on the Brigadoon-type cinema success of last year's
Braveheart and Rob Roy, this shopping mall is exporting all things Scottish
and tartan-shaped in the quest for the ancestral American buck. Kilts, pretty
prints, smoked salmon, golf clubs, even a macintosh. The products themselves
are better than the execution of this particular marketing concept which,
if the true be told, lacks a little 'taste'.
Top of Page |
http://www.spyzone.com/
It almost seems possible, given the sensitive nature of this particular
shopping spree, that as you access the Spy Zone, there's someone out there
watching you. Uh-oh paranoid fantasy overload alert Ü you can never
be sure. OK, that's a characteristically flippant category listing for a
serious site that takes no prisoners (or maybe it does!). When on the first
page you read In some cases, distribution may be limited to Authorised Law
Enforcement Agencies and Professionals you know you've stumbled on something
really good. Body armour for stopping bullets, the truth phone lie detector,
even a remote control submarine, this is a catalogue comprising some of
the most devious and sophisticated defence, surveillance and detection devices
with the capability to keep governments' or even industry secrets secure
from prying eyes. It out-gadgets Q.
Top of Page |
http://www.wineasy.se/bjornt/lip.html
Hundreds of brands and colours listed for that perfect pristine pout.
A definite must for gobby girls who love lippy and need at least three applications
before they leave the house. Mac Spice lipliner and Clinique Black Honey
Almost Lipstick are top fave superstar slap! A frivolous place to spend
a top girlie half-hour. Beats shoplifting at the make-up counter in Boots.
Top of Page |
http://www.qvc.com/
Yep, it's the fixed grin, dolly demo world of cabled couch potatoes.
You're watching Quality, Value, Convenience television and you've got money
to burn. A retro desire to see ads for the Ronco Buttoneer sent me stumbling
dangerously into TV shopping hell, only to have my hopes sadly dashed at
this decidedly uncheesy event. Behold a polished corporate trans-Atlantic
presentation and not a tasteless pageant of things I didn't want. Primarily
a back-up service for surfers more sad than those who shop, you can read
about the presenters you've never heard of and see behind the QVC scenes.
Interesting fact: Apparently QVC is the world's largest purveyor of 14 carat
gold. The only bit of 'proper' consumer content is the recipe for sweet
roasted onions and mushroom tapenade which hungry mouse-mad munchkins will
find in the Online Kitchen with Bob, but, like, why is it here?
Top of Page |
http://www.ipi.co.uk/mudfox/index.html
Straightforward shufty of the excellent Muddy Fox's super scrummy bicycle
range with a whole page of links for its pushbike pedalling chums. Five
out of ten for presentation, this site excites none of the feelings associated
with the cyclist's adrenalin power surge. Further information Ü presumably
like where you can get hold of the products and how much they cost Ü
can be mailed to people individually.
Top of Page |
http://www.marks-and-spencer.co.uk
Clad in the familiar tasteful green comes this elegant site from M&S.
There's not much about products, but a lot of background on the company
including the full text of the annual report. And the company's not doing
badly I can tell you. If you've come across a caterpillar in your Marks
& Sparks lettuce you can even make a complaint via email. A tad serious
but great if you're going for an interview there.
Top of Page |
http://www.lootlink.com/
Freebie Net version of the London-based, pastel-papered bargain finder
enabling punters to place ads (for free) and browse classifieds for anything
from a snoopy hairdryer to a frog eye sprite. As yet, no indication as to
how often small ads will be updated but downloading large quantities of
data is a potential problem (90k for holidays in Wales, Scotland and Ireland).
Initially data is restricted to the London area, although plans for regional
and international coverage are in development. Should become a heavily used
service in future. Roll up, roll upƒ Internet car boot sale.
Top of Page |
http://www.lenscrafters.com/
Looking for the latest eye accessory? Then check the face furniture
at Lenscrafters Ü preppy specs, sporty wraps, retro sunglasses, barmy
binns and swank designer lines from Armani, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Guess and
DKNY. Contant lens wearers are catered for and and there's an easy-cheat
eye test (presuming you can type!) and a sightseeing tour of exotic hot
spots for good measure. Unfortunately launched first in the States, so ironically
for the time being, you can look but you can't buy.
Top of Page |
http://www.lasolasonline.com
This claims to be the world's first online street. The real street is
in Florida, and according to the authors, every shop, club and hotel on
the street is now online. You can find out how the project was conceived
and, of course, visit the shops themselves. Make sure you've got a Java-enabled
browser though, or you'll have trouble navigating the shops. The site only
opened on the 4th of July and is suffering from teething problems, but it
should be interesting to see how it develops. Who knows, we could see Oxford
Street online shortly.
Top of Page |
http://www.department.com
Visually not a site to pop your eyes, but Java enhanced, regularly updated,
bursting with special offers and links, as well as Specialist Services.
These includes incredibly useful things like Optical test and calibration
and Portugese translation (well, you never know). Virtual departments include
AdNet for free classifieds, World Weather, Communications, Legal, and Financial.
But it's the links that make it worth a trip. Check out the Fridge (a cool
link archive), or click on to goodies like Humorscope, the Pepsi page, Vampires
HomePage, LucasArts, or MapQuest
Top of Page |
http://www.houseweb.co.uk
Get the low-down on mortgages and selling or buying your house without
the financial gobbledegook you get from most mortgage advisors. Some of
the tips are pretty obvious - sell when house prices are rising and buy
when they're falling is a fact that won't surprise anybody. And there are
the old chestnuts like brew a pot of fresh coffee just as potential buyers
are about to drop in and don't leave your socks soaking in the bath tub.
Nevertheless HouseWeb is still a useful resource of advice for first time
buyers.
Top of Page |
http://www.hotpoint.co.uk
Everyone, at some stage, has used a Hotpoint product. So it's not surprising
to find that the company is the UK's leading manufacturer of domestic appliances.
Their Web site has everything that Hotpoint 'fans' could want to know. For
instance, there's information on the company's history. Did you know that
the world's first Hotpoint product was an electric iron, invented in 1903?
It was the first iron to get hot at the point, hence the name! This is also
the HOT site if you like the ins and outs of refrigeration, six-place setting
dishwashers, tumble dryers, and free standing cooker technology. After visiting
you'll never look at your kitchen the same way again.
Top of Page |
http://www.ganter.com/
Purportedly good for posture and with that Doc Marten massage, cushioned
sole comfort vibe going on, Ganter Sandals are sort of chunky, cork, strappy
sandal things that come in colours like curry, teak, black nubuck and navy.
Given the fact that it's advertising hippy fetish footwear manufactured
in Germany, the site is surprisingly spunky (some good jokes even), and
with summer coming, it's certainly worth taking a look at the range of styles.
Good value for money and beating Birkenstock at its own game.
Top of Page |
http://www.faoschwarz.com/
Browsing a toy shop online does not provide the tactile pleasures of
picking things up, pushing buttons or dropping them on the floor, but FAO
Schwarz has at least tried to provide some satisfaction in presenting their
products very well. Most of its toys are for the younger end of the market
Ü rocking ducks, jumbo activity tunnels, a Patrick the Pup backpack
and so on Ü but there's a special Barbie section and also a catalogue
of collectible items as well. If you're looking for something special for
your little 'un then the paw print takes you to a search option. However,
given that anything you order has to be shipped, then you're fairly unlikely
to indulge.
Top of Page |
http://www.e-mart.co.uk/
Still finding its way, this is an ambitious online project, attempting
to do something similar to the 'real' Exchange and Mart. Office equipment,
computer hardware, cameras, camper vans, record players, bicycles, watches,
pianos, phones etc Ü all these and more are up for grabs. Rates for
small ads start at £10 but if you're lucky you might find them going
for free Ü presumably some enticement is still needed to get the ball
rolling. There are some good deals for getting a full page up on the Web
as well.
Top of Page |
http://www.dreamshop.com
This is a Time Warner effort so it's farily solid and reliable, nicely
designed and a million times better than Barclay Square. One of the best
experiences is Time Warner's own outlet called 'Viewers Edge'. Anyone for
a Frasier cap, Batman alarm clock or mouse mat advertising Hershey bars?
Top of Page |
http://www.dkmen.com/
Woah! The full-on batchelor styling and cringing over the top copy of
this advert for Donna Karan's smellies for men is so excruciatingly bad
that not even Esquire readers will be taken in. DKMen. A fragrance. A bodycare
system. Clean, sexy, fresh, citrus. With the warm sensuality of suede and
tobacco. Donna calls it, 'Masculinity in a bottle.' It is. Purleeze...
Top of Page |
http://www.interads.co.uk/dgs/
Want to send fresh flowers to anyone in the UK? Direct Garden Supplies
offers a spring selection, picked, parcelled and sent to where you want
, all in the space of two to three days.
Top of Page |
http://www.debenhams.co.uk
Cheaper and less snooty than the John Lewis Partnership, Selfridges
and the like, Debenhams has gone online. And a darn good site it is too.
Not only can you get information on your local store (including a telephone
number) but you can find out what new things are going on, apply for an
account card, send them an email telling them exactly what you think of
them, and even enter a competition to win store vouchers.
Top of Page |
http://www.cleaningnet.com
Cherwell is a UK-based wholesale cleaning and hygiene products supplier.
You'll need your sunglasses for this site (it's a rather lurid electric
blue and orange) but it's easy to navigate. There's a product catalogue
from which you can get online quotations (4,000 banqueting serviettes -
no problem) and you can place your order via email. This might not be the
best-looking site in the world, but it's a good example of no-nonsense Web
shopping.
Top of Page |
http://www.casino-network.com/
Not so much the spangly sequined world of seedy drunks, coked-up call
girls, losing everything and late night hotel rooms but a squeaky-clean
suite of syndicated links for the big bucks gambler and executive high roller.
In amongst the strategically placed ads for La Mirage, Midnight Rose and
Lady Luck casinos (exclusive VIP club, 'specials' in the gift shop and even
an airline schedule for flights to Vegas), there are pointers to pages on
blackjack, poker, craps, large-win lotteries, sports betting, as well as
Maverick newsgroups, Net gaming software and I've-got-a-system-no-really
strategy. Makes gambling look like a trip to the mall.
Top of Page |
http://www.brasdirect.co.uk
It is an oft-quoted, and if true astounding, fact that 70% of women
are walking round wearing the wrong bra. Nobody seems to be able to verify
whether this fact is in any way related to the number of men who rush into
Marks & Spencers, grab the nearest bra on display and rush to the checkouts,
but if it is, Bras Direct could end the female discomfort factor and with
it a male nightmare. Literally busting onto the Web scene, Bras Direct gives
the vital statistics of lingerie from 15 leading manufacturers, along with
reasonably demure pictures of the products. There's a handy measuring guide
(something the two of you could do together, perhaps?), so once you've ascertained
the correct size, add your chosen item to your virtual shopping basket,
tap in your credit card details and the appropriate item is gift-wrapped
and dispatched within three working days. If nothing else, this site is
an educational experience for those of us who don't know the difference
or, in fact, didn't even know there was a difference, between midis, minis,
maxis and tanga briefs. A Wonderbra idea!
Top of Page |
http://www.boots.co.uk
Boots has done itself proud with this good looking site which covers
topics such as health, beauty, pregnancy and holidays. There's heaps of
advice here along the lines of the kind of stuff you find in the beauty
pages of women's magazines. There are also some neat features including
a live pollen count, a vitamin database, weather reports and advice on dealing
with common ailments. It's also worth giving the discussion forums a whirl
for a quick exchange of beauty tips.
Top of Page |
http://www.austinreed.co.uk/
Understated ladies and gents outfitters offering classic suits and smart
casualwear from a range in the current catalogue. Top tweeds and camel coats
from the Chester Barrie Savile Row selection are sold alongside shirts from
Stephens Brothers (all rather inexplicably unpriced). Orders are made on
a freephone number Ü so much for online shopping then! If you're more
inclined to visit Austin Reed in person, there's a directory of all the
branches as well.
Top of Page |
http://www.polycell.co.uk/
Bosh, bosh, bosh Ü winning ways with wallpaper. Bosh, bosh, bosh
Ü transforming your kiddies' bedroom with goofy pictures of Scooby
Doo. A man 100ft up in a white boiler suit glued to a bit of card. A logo
in the shape of a big tick. Up for a bit of home improvement? Bosh, bosh,
bosh Ü buy my glue. Polycell's do-it-yourself effort to paint, plaster
and completely redecorate your browser is a bit of a botch job. Only a bit,
mind. Content is OK, a bit patchy perhaps, but it doesn't link to or from
anything else. Some good advice tho' for the B&Q brigade... For a quick
and easy way to install the shower you have always wanted, just plumb your
bath to the ceiling. Only joking.
Top of Page |
http://www.consumerworld.org/
Every now and again someone rings up the Internet office and says Shopping
on the Internet: is it true I can live without leaving my house? And the
reply is: not if you live in the UK you can't and if you fancy a bit of
retail therapy on the Internet then you're bound to be disappointed. Consumer
World is an American invention (quel surprise!) and it does its best to
root out the best bargains and the best buying experiences online. Unfortunately
that means it encompasses few of our homespun sites but for those thinking
of selling through the Internet then it's a good guide to what can be bought.
Top of Page |
http://www.vol.it/swatchshop
Apart from an awful opening graphic, the online shop for this bonkers
Swiss watch manufacturer is very friendly, low key and easy to use. Shipping
costs for Europe are $9.67 but the advantages are you can browse properly
and then order from all the latest lines. Fully illustrated with photographs
and accompanying descriptions, the only drawback is having to remember the
name of the model you're interested in because it's not automatically transfered
when filling in your ordering form. Then again, aren't wrist-sized space
cadet cuckoo clocks a bit passÚ?
Top of Page |
http://www.vuitton.com
The preferred label luggage of swank Yanks and trust fund Eurotrash,
this site has been established by Louis Vuitton North America purely with
the American market in mind. In fact it's rather poorly designed Ü
cut and paste history, school catalogue illustrations and very dull news.
The range of baggage is limited and pricing is presumably at a store's discretion.
At least if you're based in America you can take advantage of the repair
service. Otherwise, quite surprisingly, this site screams 'low rent retail'.
Top of Page |
http://www.sovietski.com
If you fancy the ultimate cult, Cold War fashion accessory then original
and repro artefacts from ye olde Soviet Union are available at the Sovietski
Collection. Along with handpainted teapots, porcelain dolls, stamps, coins
and other collectibles, get yourself an original KGB watch, a timepiece
as worn by a cosmonaut, a cockpit clock from a Mig-29 or one from a Red
October Soviet submarine. It's not cheap. Most things cost major spondoolicks
but it's more interesting than your average online catalogue. Topski shopping.
Top of Page |
http://www.gbposters.co.uk/gbp/
What people put on their walls has always been a cultural index of what's
popular at any one time. The posters for sale here are, on the whole, pretty
familiar iconic images and all the better for that. Blur, Bjork, Tarantino,
Elle Macpherson and the mass produced fine art of Picasso, Mattisse and
Monet. Competitively priced and with a safeguard for your credit card they'll
be on bedroom walls all over the country before you know it.
Top of Page |
http://www.visionaries.co.uk/zine/whatsnew.hts#index
This is a fancy looking interface for flogging T-shirts. Designs range
from abstract images best suited for ambient music CDs and atom symbols
that glow in the dark.
Top of Page |
http://www.haircut.com/haircut/
This superb self-cleaning, low maintenance device can be yours for only
$59.95. The vacuum costs extra but it means no messy bags. Comes with hairstyling
guide and its very own pet grooming adaptor!
Top of Page |
http://www.zipmail.co.uk/thukrals/home.htm
Undoubtedly there are still men who let the women in their lives do
their clothes shopping. This is for them. Thukrals offers a stylish selection
of sports jackets and waist coats in Scottish Tweed, complemented by a selection
of ties, couduroy trousers and the 'Western' collection of jeans. Alternatively,
learn to love Marks & Spencers!
Top of Page |
http://www.levi.com
The gorgeously slick advertising aesthetics of Levi's reinvented brand
are predictably stylish and state-of-the-art. No half measures. Once past
the smart iconographic server-pushed opening page, a project aimed at capturing
the hearts and minds of global youth unfolds in front of you. Deduct marks
for calling their 'what's on around the world' section 'Street' but add
some for the gimmicks on the graffitti wall (although the concept is a bit
naff). It'll get a hefty quota of hits and well, hey, the kids might like
it, but it's a bit like watching Passengers Ü a little giddy headrush
that's ultimately unfulfilling.
Top of Page |
http://www.com.au/black
An Oz fashion emporium with a passion for high class Goth gear. The
catalogue may take a while to load but there's plenty to ogle. Everything
comes in one colour - black.
Top of Page |
http://www.spectracom.com/designstudio/
Aiming to be something of an upmarket outfit, the goods on offer here
are individually designed and made by artists. From earrings and picture
frames to cups and cupboards, it's a bit like one of those places that sells
handmade cards and arty candlesticks - bijou!
Top of Page |
http://www.directnet.com/Crash/Vans/
Long time adoptee of skaters, BMX bikers and now snowboarders, the classic
old school styling of the Van sneaker is a marvel to behold. As well as
the catalogue of all the lastest lines, this has information and video material
on Van-sponsored skaters and events. A history of the perfect plimsoll complements
a list of celebrity Van sightings. Way past cool.
Top of Page |
http://www.christies.com
Loaded Lovejoy types can now take advantage of this famous auction house's
presence online. Upcoming sales around the world are all listed. How long
before the bids come via @anon.penet.fi?
Top of Page |
http://www.kiteshop.co.uk/
A catalogue of well cool kites, from beginners and single string swoopy
ones to speedy stacker monsters that lift you off the ground.
Top of Page |
http://www.eden.com/wowcool/wowcool.html
Funky distribution outlet for alternative comics and zines. Take Andy's
Chair about sitting on the porch or Tuna Casserole, an anthology of best
bits from the comic underground.
Top of Page |
http://branch.com:1080/tuxedo/tuxedo.html
Look like a stiff! Elegant, 100% pure wool tuxedos with quality tailoring,
year-round fabric, satin lapels, pleated trousers with satin stripes. The
trousers are lined to the knee for comfort. Why rent when you can buy?
Top of Page |
http://194.72.60.96/www/webentity/wocomix/
Still heavily under construction, this will be the home of a huge mail
order comics catalogue run by Archive Collections. At the moment, the site
is heavily text-based which, considering the medium in question, is a bit
of a let-down.
Top of Page |
http://www.ukshops.co.uk:8000/
Online shopping experience which allows you to purchase products from
a variety of 'undergound' services. A good place to catch up with The Prisoner
magazine and Spite Books. Nice interface and some good links.
Top of Page |
http://shopex.com/
Ever wondered where else you can get those revolutionary products advertised
on TV, usually late at night when you're most receptive to hypnotic gesturing?
Wonder no more, because a large section of this exploding cybermall has
been cordoned off for all those money-back guarantee miracles that were
designed to sell, rather than use.
Top of Page |
http://uslink.net/ddavis
Come my friend Ü I'll show you something special. If you've been
pestered to the end of your tether by Morrocan carpet dealers, this site
will breathe new life into those rugs you tried to avoid. Susan Davis, a
Californian anthropologist, has presented this online souk in such an educative
manner that you're almost tempted to buy one of the confounded things online.
Top of Page |
http://bf2.cstar.ac.com/bf/
Unlike the usual Internet search tools which can scan periodically-updated
local databases, this prototype music shopping agent actually trawls live.
It ferrets through several online music stores's but is not always too successful
at finding the best prices on CDs. However, it does adequately showcase
the technology. Unless there's a real need for up to the minute information,
it doesn't offer any useful advantage over regular crawling.
Top of Page |
http://www.avenue.com/the/x.html
Claiming to be a kind of Generation X hangout and surfing in on that
slacker tip, The Avenue provides stuff to do, stuff for those who prefer
to be bored and stuff for shopping. but unfortunately it sucks. Hey, in
an age where you're defined by your consumption, who'd want to be seen shopping
at Starbucks Coffee, J Crew Clothes, or Pete's Wicked Brewing Co anyway?
Douglas Coupland has a lot to answer for.
Top of Page |
http://www.w2.com/docs2/d3/cigarclub.html
For just $22.95 plus an extra $3.50 shipping costs per month, The Great
American Beer Club will send out five different fresh, hand-rolled cigars
from countries such as Jamaica, Honduras, The Dominican Republic, a copy
of their newsletter The Wrapper and a free cigar cutter the first month.
Strictly for big shots.
Top of Page |
http://www.reponet.com/reponet/repohome.html
Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez made repomen notorious. The reality
is more mundane. Bid for boats, cars, mobile homes and even aeroplanes (all
across the pond). Best bid wins.
Top of Page |
http://www.innotts.co.uk/~margin
No dodgy dealing when buying a second hand car through this outfit,
even though it has a spoof spiv sort of name. High class Jags, Bentleys,
Daimlers, in fact almost every kind of car (and some motorbikes) all pictured
and described, including what's on the clock, and linked UK-wide through
local dealerships.
Top of Page |
http://www.adnetsol.com/bovine/bovine.html
The chance to buy a bottle of 100% bullshit...cross my heart and hope
to die. For $14.95 get some organic bovine scooped poop. With the accompanying
gift certificate it's a way of letting your boss, ex, most-hated rival,
that in future they should think twice before opening their mouth.
Top of Page |
http://www.ticketmaster.com
Another US site that is probably completely redundant unless you're
planning a trip to the States. However, as an example of the kind of thing
soon to be available, this is a one-stop ticket shop with information on
events, venues, dates and prices for stuff happening stateside Ü truly
coast to coast.
Top of Page |
http://www.igroup.com/rogaine
Slapheads, baldies...all is not lost. Rogaine Topical Solution is, apparently,
the only product medically proven to regrow hair in men and women. Itchy
beard!
Top of Page |
http://www.itl.net/barclaysquare
The most notable thing about entering BarclaySquare is that it has highstreet
shops you've actually heard of - Argos, Sainsbury's Wine Direct, Toys 'R'
Us, Eurostar, Innovations, Blackwells and of course Barclays Bank. Reassuring
as this feels initially, and despite being buoyed up by a very amicable
interface, buying is still a bit scary as it's quite difficult to keep track
of your goods. Rest assured it is impossible to make a transaction without
realising what you've done, but a few explanations and pointers would set
all minds at rest.
Top of Page |
http://mkn.co.uk/
An ever-growing list of retail services from buying chocs and flowers
to finding banks, solicitors or home and car insurance. For people who hate
shopping or people who can't get out.
Top of Page |
http://www.onsale.com
Going once, going twice, going three timesƒ Onsale online auctions
feature a constantly changing inventory of limited quantity goods such as
sports and rock and roll memorabilia, computers or electronics, last-minute
holiday packages or tickets to events. Browse through what's on offer, register,
and then it's easy to bid and buy. The pages are constantly changing with
the latest price or sales information updated as bids are received, prices
go up or down and merchandise is sold.
Top of Page |
http://www.demon.co.uk/griffin-corp
Modern designer menswear for when that anorak needs a wash. Jeff Griffin's
conceptual clobber looks great, but if you want to buy it you'll have to
go to a shop.
Top of Page |
http://www.spend.com:81/
Discount shopping at the touch of a button. Get CDs and car stereos
at bargain prices and order your Sheffield presentation and gift cutlery
now.
Top of Page |
http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/
Find your nearest Sainsbury's, Homebase, Savacentre and Shaw's as well
as recipes and press releases. You can't yet buy your meat and vegies online,
but you can order from their wine selection for next day delivery.
Top of Page |
http://autan.enst.fr/~legru/model.html
See what the supermodels are or aren't wearing, this season.
Top of Page |
http://www.clickshop.com:80/speak/
Want a swearing keychain, sneezing salt shaker, flirting birthday candle,
rapping Christmas tree or some other talking novelty? Order it here, or
download the sound files for a preview.
Top of Page |
http://virtumall.com/Lakeside/Lakeside.html
Order the gags and novelties you could never afford when you really
needed them. They're all here, whoopee cushions, xray specs, itching powder,
joke buzzers and coffin piggy banks, ripped straight from the pages of your
childhood comics. And it's the still same company flogging them.
Top of Page |
http://www.highlandtrail.co.uk/highlandtrail/
Depending where you live within the UK, Europe or North America, you'll
be able to enjoy fine Scottish produce such as malt whiskies, smoked salmon,
kippers, oysters, lagoustine and smoked venison delivered to your doorstep.
The catalogue will continue expanding to include more of the north's prime
merchandise. Although several merchants are represented, you can order via
credit card from one secure form.
Top of Page |
http://www.digex.net/2xist.html
At last, a place to order male underwear online. Stock up in time for
your next accident. Oh, by the way, the products are modelled by muscular
types.
Top of Page |
http://cdnow.com/
CDnow! is no half-hearted cybermall. It's an efficiently structured
music megastore catering to a diverse range of tastes such as rap, exercise,
march, new age, gay, holiday and rock. You can browse the associated track
listings, biographies, reviews, press clippings and stories online or even
buy the video and t-shirt. It takes international orders, which, in some
cases, could work out even cheaper than buying locally.
Top of Page |
http://www.hardiman.com/malls/rmcm/IndMerch/index.html
While there's a fair selection of produce on display, at reasonable
and sometimes wholesale prices, the way this mall is presented makes it
difficult to have much confidence in its integrity.
Top of Page |
http://www.cybermalls.com/cywharf/thunder/index.htm
Surely one of the Internet's prime powerboat shops.
Top of Page |
http://www.openmarket.com/
Sign up for your complimentary demo dollars to see how it's going to
be done in the future. If you're searching for a particular product, its
excellent commercial site searcher tells you where in the Web you'll find
it.
Top of Page |
http://www.mailorder.com/
The Internet Media Group specialises in strategic Internet-based direct
marketing solutions. It seems to be doing all the right things, like registering
a much-coveted domain name and securing multiple high speed T1 and T3 routes
to the Internet backbone. Shops on show include Sunday Comics, Paper Direct,
Hello Direct and Sonnai Frock's erotic prints.
Top of Page |
http://www.micromedia.co.uk/
This neatly organised UK-based shopping mall offers speedy access to
an Australian/UK employment service, computer dealers, financial services,
retailers and various services.
Top of Page |
http://www.innovations.co.uk/giftpoint/
The UK Innovations catalogue specialises in unusual and innovative gadgets,
probably designed more to sell than to use. They're not cheap, but then
maybe not having to scour the streets for a clever present makes up for
that.
Top of Page |
http://www.shore.net:/~adfx/top.html
At first glance, this anarchic-looking shambles of a home page may mislead
you into thinking you've taken a detour on the way to the shops. However,
although it's not signposted, there's a surprisingly large and interesting
group underneath of advertisers peddling their wares. It's hard to believe
it's a commercial service.
Top of Page |
http://www.tagsys.com:80/index.html
This simple and friendly, commercial online shopping mall seems to be
attracting new clients every day. It doesn't use any innovative ordering
forms or fancy security procedures but it does put you in touch with vendors
in the same way traditional media would.
Top of Page |
http://www.aladdin.co.uk/cpy/
You can scan through the list of yachts on offer, find something in
your price range and then access a staggeringly detailed description complete
with pictures of the craft. When you've narrowed it down to two or three
you can email or phone to arrange a viewing. Theoretically, they can arrange
delivery anywhere in the world.
Top of Page |
http://www.hyperion.com/usx/index.html
This international used software fleamarket is presently a free service.
The database has several thoughtful filters enabling you to specify the
software type, price, currency or platform. When you find something you
want you can contact the vendor by email to arrange the trade.
Top of Page |
http://www.eccosys.com/E-SHOP/index.html
Asia's first ecash online shopping mall. At this stage, it's all experimental
and the shops are bare. Keep watching.
Top of Page |
http://www.netsurf.com/nsm/latest.mktplace.html
A new commercial online shopping mall with a wide variety of products
on show. Results from its ongoing reader demographic survey are supplied,
as well as advertising rates and style guides. There's not a lot here yet,
but it's high quality, straightforward and diverse.
Top of Page |
http://mkn.co.uk
Florists are becoming quite popular on the Web. This one's the first
in the UK. You enter your credit card number, apology and delivery details
into the provided form, whoosh them along the Internet and you're back in
the good books before you get home.
Top of Page |
http://www.onramp.net/imagemaker
Forget the Doc Martin Megastore, this is shopping 1995! From the cute
to the obsessively bizarre, email-order dog-embossed paraphernalia, including
boxer shorts and lampshades. No breed too obscure.
Top of Page |
http://www.netmarket.com
Unlike some of the brash and pushy shopping centres on the Internet,
NetMarket has the 'shy-sell' feel of a charity Christmas gifts brochure.
It prides itself on high quality at reasonable prices. Shops include Noteworthy
Music (CDs), 800-The Rose (florist), Les Vignerons (wine), The Space Between
(books on UFOs, lost worlds, secret societies etc) and Sovereign Records.
You can buy online, however international P&P may cancel the bargain
value. This was the first company on the Internet to support automatic public
key encryption for credit card transactions.
Top of Page |
http://mmink.cts.com/mmink/mm.html
Multimedia Ink Designs' home page offers access to a series of small
businesses selling goods from 'socially responsible' coffee to earrings.
This virtual equivalent of the trendy Lakeshore Arcade appears to cater
exclusively to US customers.
Top of Page |
http://www.varesearch.com/
This catalogue of low-cost Unix workstations contains a detailed products
and options list, as well as advice on how to choose the system that best
meets your needs and references to Linux's trade press coverage. The latest
catalogue is available via finger at linux-sales@fintronic.com
Top of Page |
http://cexpress.com:2700/
This is an excellent directory of computer-related products from over
600 suppliers. You can search by various parameters to size up the competition
and vendors even agree to match any outside offer. This all adds up to a
textbook model for the future of direct marketing. To join, you must fax
your credit card and delivery details in return for a membership number.
Top of Page |
http://www.ip.net
A zany collection of online shopping services. You have to wend your
way through a fair bit of claptrap to get anywhere interesting - they're
going to learn not to do this soon. This is Herbal Care meets Macintosh
software Meets Beavis and Butthead. All the outlets have forms, but so far
this is more a shop window than a shop.
Top of Page |
http://www.aus.xanadu.com/GlassWings/welcome.html
This trial virtual shopping mall may be sparse but shows promise of
better things to come. Polyester Records offers a large indie selection
by email and you can order popcorn in flavours like Black Cherry and Honey
Onion Mustard from Myers Popcorn. However, the site is primarily a showcase
for Lee Perkins' games reviews.
Top of Page |
http://www.eurodollar.co.uk
At the present time, the only Web service available here is a rental
office branch list and a EuroDollar charge card form, but the company has
big plans for developing its Net connnections and promises to become a model
example of a good commercial application.
Top of Page |
http://www.awa.com
A place where you can 'browse, learn, share and trade' or, more obtusely,
it's a 'virtual salon for the marketplace of ideas'. This location's best
selling point is its shopping opportunities. You can buy a range of books
and equipment, or how about a WWW T-shirt, just $13.95 from the Downtown
Anywhere Souvenir Shop? If you decide to buy, you can pay by credit card
or open a DA account so you can't overspend your limit. It takes time to
find your way around any new place but exploring the streets of DA is both
fun and worthwhile.
Top of Page |
http://www.coat.com
An experimental service run by a US 'outerwear' retailer. This is a
work in progress and is subject to changes in focus warns the home page.
The service offers store location information, access to an illustrated
catalogue of the merchandise and invites feedback.
Top of Page |