Poole shops in two quite different registers: a conventional covered centre and high street in the middle of town, and a scatter of independents in the villages and the old streets.
The centre
The Dolphin Centre and the surrounding high street cover the chains and the practicalities, a short walk from the railway station and the Quay.
The independents
The Old Town has galleries, makers and small shops in the lanes behind the Quay. Ashley Cross and Canford Cliffs are the village versions, mixing boutiques with delis and cafes.
Markets
Poole's markets carry on a trading tradition as old as the port. See also shopping centres and business services.