The response has been so good that many shops, and garden centres in particular, may stock the items all year round.

Most nonbanks specialize in particular fields, like financing industrial machinery, helping small shops stock their shelves with electronic goods, or making home loans to individuals.

The shop stocked an eclectic collection of used records, books and sheet music.

The taste of these half-caste girls was decidedly flamboyant and the shop stocked what appealed to its clients.

This shop also stocks a range of swimwear.

The shops are few and sparsely stocked - biscuits, cigarette lighters, soap if you're lucky.

The shop stocked uniforms for local schools such as the Dragon School.

"I didn't think Barlow's shop would be stocking these quite yet," she said cheerfully, dumping them on the kitchen table.

The shop may also stock unusual items which customers would be unable to obtain elsewhere, or more 'exclusive' fashions etc.

Apple comes closest, although its shops only stock the one brand.