IN a world where many people’s first impulse is to buy things online, DJ Brooking proves there is some shopping that’s best done in person.

The shop in Parkstone’s Ashley Road has been popular for almost 40 years as a destination for three things: art materials, greetings cards and books.

It opened in September 1982 under founder Donald Brooking, who still comes into the shop sometimes at the age of 98.

Today, it is run by his son Stephen Brooking and Stephen’s wife Meryem.

Once you pass the carefully curated window display and step into the shop, you are confronted with hundreds of lines of art materials.

There is a wide range of colour papers, drawing papers and canvases. There are acrylic, oil and watercolour paints along with an array of paintbrushes, pencils and pens.

The stock has grown in the past couple of years as more space has been found for it in the shop.

Art seems to have grown in popularity during the pandemic, with many people taking up traditional hobbies during periods of enforced time at home. And buying the right materials can be a large part of the pleasure.

Stephen and Meryem are happy to chat with customers and offer advice. They deal with all the main manufacturers and can order anything that they don’t have in stock.

The experience tends to beat shopping on the internet. “People love coming in because they can actually pick it up,” says Stephen.

Prices tend to be competitive with the online retailers too, he says. “It’s in people’s interests to come here before they try getting it online,” he adds.

When it comes to books, DJ Brooking has a wide enough range to make for happy browsing.

It has acquired a particular reputation for local history books and for transport, with a good selection of specialist railway and bus titles.

There are sections for health titles, children’s books, art education, humour, military subjects, politics and biography. And anything that is not in stock can usually be acquired quickly from a wholesaler.

“We can get most things within 24 hours,” says Stephen.

When it comes to greetings cards, there is a wide selection, with a particular emphasis on quality artistic or quirky designs.

“We’re there with the old style record shop and fishing tackle shops,” says Stephen. “People love to browse.”

DJ Brooking is at 420 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole BH14 0AA and can be found on Instagram, @djbrookingofficial