While Commercial Road gets some flak for its empty units and the stores that have left, there is still a number of shops that attract people into the town. Combine that with the numerous independent shops around Southsea and the high end brands that can be found in Gunwharf, and there is something for everyone.
The high street is of course struggling, not just in Portsmouth but nationally, with the likes of River Island and Poundland facing an uncertain future. The reasons for this are numerous, from online shopping to rising costs. However, people still enjoy visiting a physical shop to buy their goods.
We asked our readers which shops they liked to visit most in Portsmouth and there was one clear winner.
Here is what they said:

17. Soundz
The record store on Albert Road is the favourite shop in Portsmouth with one of our readers. Photo: Joseph Williams

18. Dress Code
The Albert Road shop sells a range of vintage clothes and vinyl and is a shop which one of our readers visits more than any other. Photo: Joseph Williams

19. Actually Merlin Vintage
The vintage clothing shop is popular with some of our readers. Picture: Mike Cooter (160324) Photo: Mike Cooter

20. Southsea Style
Southsea style was another one of the independent stores on Albert Road that a reader picked as a favourite shop in the city. Photo: Joseph Williams

