August/September 2026 housewareslive.net


TAKE A TOWN - BRIGHTON


Robert Dyas, Western Road


Robert Dyas has a long and fascinating history stemming back over 150 years; in 2012, the chain was bought by former Dragons’ Den investor, Theo Paphitis.


I was looking to buy my first air-fryer. Inside the


store, I counted 13 air-fryers piled up/ Mark approached me and asked if I needed any


help. He started by asking about my living situation and I said that I live with my wife and two teenage daughters. I explained that we had never had an air-fryer, so I was open to his recommendations. Recognising that a family of four would need


more capacity, he recommended a nine-litre model from PROCHEF (Double Drawer Air-Fryer), which was priced at £49.99, with a 65 per cent saving on the usual price.


Mark mentioned that the 2,000W power output and two independent drawers, allows for efficient meal preparation without the need for sequential cooking.


He also showed the removable trays that are designed for easy cleaning.


Søstrene Grene, Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Russell Place


The Danish retailer’s store is located between branches of New Look and Pro Cook. I wanted to buy a small milk jug a ag gift for my mother’s upcoming big birthday. I had a walk around the store, before settling in front of the three jugs.


I thought that the two smaller jugs would be


ideal. The lemon jug was priced at £4.94. Helena approached me and asked if I needed any help. She explained that the lemon jug, which weighed 317g, was both food safe and microwave safe, but it could not be used in a microwave. The second product was a strawberry jug, priced at £4.56. Helena said that, unlike the lemon jug, the strawberry jug could be used in a microwave, as well as being food safe and dishwasher safe. Helena said that the strawberry jug weighs 500g and is made of stoneware, which brings a playful touch to the table. As I continued to browse, I liked a larger jug that was in a similar area of the store. Priced at £14.68, the jug was both food safe and dishwasher safe.


Bert’s Homestore, Kensington Gardens


Established in 2005, Bert’s Homestore operates three stores, with the other two being in George Street, Hove, and Montague Street, Worthing. I was looking to buy some matching crockery


sets. Inside the store, I couldn’t help but notice the Mikasa range of products. For a mid-week day, the store was a hive of activity. The vibrant stoneware featured eye-catching patterns, which I thought would be perfect for everyday meals and special occasions. I continued browsing the products and picking


up to look at the design detail, which I though was very good. The range, which was well displayed, featured


a small bowl, side plate, mug and larger bowls, priced at £4.99, £6.99. £10.95 and £8.99 respectively.} The shelf edge information indicated that the


products were both microwave and dishwasher safe. The display I was looking at was adjacent to the


till area, and I expected one of the two members of staff to come and speak to me, especially in a quiet store.


Sales skills: 4/5


Store presentation: 4/5


Total score: 10/10


Summary: Mark did a good job. He listened to my needs and suggested a suitable product, but he did not attempt to close the sale. The store display of lots of stacks of products was not aesthetically pleasing to the eye.


Sales skills: 3/5


Store presentation: 5/5


Total score: 8/10


Summary: Helena gave an overview of the two jugs but did not attempt to close the sale. The store was well presented.


Sales skills: 0/5


Store presentation: 5/5


Total score: 5/10


Summary: I was unable to assess the sales skills at this store; frustratingly, the store was very well presented, inside and out.


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