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John Lewis, Aberdeen

Atmosphere A temple to the values of stout consumerism. The shop towers on four floors like a sensible matron

Service Fantastic. Staff leap to your service before you can say "excuse me", root through catalogues and chat happily about the relative properties of stain removers

Stock Everything from Flymos to waterproof mattress covers, via the silk-cushion department

Prices Signs cover the walls reminding you of the "never knowingly undersold" price promise: anything you find cheaper locally they will sell for the same price

Food Safe if familar, served in a green-and white canteen, The Place to Eat

Quibbles The uniform - knee-length boxy navy suits with ghastly jade polka-dot blouses

Best Buy Kilts made to measure, pounds 245