Shopfloor TAKE A TOWN


Currys, Crown Point Shopping Park


Sales skills: 1/5


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This store is located at the end of a busy retail park, where its two neighbours are Card Factory and Home Bargains. We were just in the early stages of redesigning our kitchen, so I was keen to find a suitable range cooker. Inside the store, I was greeted by a member of staff and made my way to the oven area of the store. There were seven different range cookers on display from four brands – Belling, Flavel, Kenwood and Smeg. The cheapest cooker was a 90cm Kenwood model (CK306), priced at £689; the price ticket indicated that this model has one electric oven, an integrated electric grill and a five-burner gas hob, with wok burner and cast-iron supports. The most expensive range cooker was a 90cm Smeg model (BG93GMBKL); the price ticket indicated that this model has two electric ovens, a separate electric grill, a five-burner gas hob and cast-iron supports. The Smeg model comes with a two-year guarantee.


Store presentation: 5/5


Total score: 6/10


One point was awarded for the initial greeting, but was never followed up by any of the staff. The store looked fabulous.


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Blue Moon Factory Outlet, Armley Link Trading Estate


This store receives three deliveries a week, which the retailer says, means customers will be able to view new products every time they visit.


I was looking to buy an oven. After my online research, I was expecting to find Bluemoon Appliances, as per Google, but when I got to the store, I realised that it was a factory outlet store. I was greeted by a man at the door and explained that I was looking to buy an oven. He suggested that I speak to Craig, and Craig joined me at the oven display.


He showed me a stainless-steel AEG model (BPS35606IM), which was priced at £499.99. Craig said this model offered pyrolytic cleaning, and explained how this cleaning programme works.


The second model that Craig presented was a Hoover model (HOC3UB5858BI), which was priced at £279.99, and it too featured a pyrolytic programme.


Craig said that I could take away the oven with me, or it could be delivered to me for a fee.


John Lewis & Partners, Victoria Gate


This store opened its doors in 2016, as the £37 million anchor store in the Victoria Gate development – and the 49th John Lewis & Partners store.


I was looking to buy a new TV. In the Audio, TV & Technology department, there were many TVs on display – 76 to be precise – but no sales staff! I settled in front of a 55-inch Sony model (K55XR70PU), which was priced at £1,299. The price ticket indicated that purchasers of this TV could receive £150 back, by redemption. I continued


to browse and then I found a price list for


Sales skills: 0/5


Store presentation:


5/5


Total score: 5/10


Not having staff on the shopfloor is akin to retail suicide. The store was well presented inside and the outside design was superb.


TV installation services that the retailer offers – £25 for TV disposal, £44.99 for TV installation, £35-£100 for TV stand assembly, £155 for TV wall mount with home cinema and £125 for TV wall mount installation.


The price list then stated “Please speak to one of our Partners for more information” – chance would be a fine thing!


Headingley Home Appliances, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley


This store, in a residential area, is located close to the Headingley Stadium complex, which is home to Yorkshire Cricket Club and rugby league club Leeds Rhinos.


I was looking to buy a new washing machine. Inside the store, I was greeted by Mohammed, who was sat behind the counter.


Sales skills: 2/5


Store presentation: 3/5


Total score: 5/10


Craig gave a basic overview; the store exterior was bright and welcoming, the inside wasn’t.


I explained that with a large family I was looking for a large capacity washing machine. Mohammed recommended a 12kg Hisense model (WFQA1214EVJM), which was priced at £499.99. After walking around the store looking at other


products, Mohammed conceded that this was the largest capacity washing machine in the store. He said that it would cost me an extra £20 to have the washing machine delivered and installed by his team.


I thanked Mohammed for his help, but I left the store slightly disappointed.


Sales skills: 1/5


Store presentation:


3/5


Total score: 4/10


Mohammed did not give me any details of the features or benefits, but he did volunteer information around the delivery and the installation of the product. The store was not well presented, with products poorly merchandised.


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