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April 2026 tl


Fivestar Services (Fylde), Rossall Road, Cleveleys


This business was established in 1967. In addition to a showroom, it has a service division carrying out repairs to washing machine, tumble dryers, vacuum cleaners, and some dishwashers.


I was looking to buy a new vacuum


cleaner, after my trusted cylinder cleaner had stopped working after a decade of service. I was welcomed into the store by Edith, who asked if I needed any help. I explained that my wife is disabled and that a lightweight cleaner would be ideal.


Edith got straight to work and


recommended a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner (V8ADVANCED-24), which was priced at £329, a £100 saving on the usual price. Edith explained how the vacuum easily converts into a handheld device, making it perfect for reaching elevated spaces and those tricky corners that often collect dust and debris. She pointed out that the Dyson vacuum cleaner delivers up to 40 minutes of continuous suction from a fully charged battery. Edith added that the cleaner comes with crevice and combination tools.


1st Choice Domestic Appliances, St Davids Road South, Lytham St Annes


Sales skills: 3/5


Store presentation: 5/5


This business offers kitchen appliance repairs and sales, and has been serving Lytham St Annes, Ansdell, Freckleton, Warton and Blackpool for over three decades. My friends had told me about the benefits of using air fryers and I wanted to find out more about these products. Inside the store, I was greeted by Tracy, who was sat behind a desk. She said that the store sells products from Ninja and she pointed me in the direction of a two-drawer Ninja product (DZ400UK), which was priced at £179.99


Total score: 8/10


Tracy gave a good overview of the air fryers. The store was well presented inside and looked beautiful outside.


She said I could use the air fryer to cook two foods, two ways – with


both ready at the same time. Tracy added that the model features six cooking functions. I asked about how efficient air fryers are to run, versus using an oven, and Tracy said that air fryers are more efficient. Tracy said that the store also sells the Double Stack XL Ninja model (SL400UK), a 9.5-litre air fryer, priced at £229.99.


Appliances, Deansgate


Appliances, Deansgate


Sales skills: 4/5


Store presentation: 5/5


Total score: 9/10


Edith gave lots of information about the cleaner, and a demo would have scored her top points. The store was well presented.


ProCook, Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood


This store is located within Affinity Lancashire, an outlet shopping venue, which originally opened as Freeport Fleetwood on 1 June 1995, on the site of the former Wyre Dock. It was rebranded to Affinity Lancashire in 2018. I was looking to buy a coffee machine. Inside the store, I located two suitable products. The ProCook espresso coffee machine was priced at £199, while the ProCook barista bean to cup espresso coffee machine was priced at £399. I was approached by Sharon and she explained that the espresso coffee machines has a rapid heat-up time and easy-to-use features.


The model comes with a 58mm portafilter, single and double filter basket, tamper, 2.2- litre detachable water tank and cleaning pin. Sharon said the LCD display makes it easy to navigate the features.


She added that the barista bean to cup


espresso coffee machine has advanced features, customisable options, a smart display screen, powerful steam wand and 30 grind settings.


Sales skills: 2/5


Store presentation: 4/5


Total score: 6/10


This store is located just a 10-minute walk away from The Blackpool Tower, which opened to the public on 14 May 1894. It was designated a Grade I listed building in 1973. I was looking to buy a washing machine and was greeted by a number of appliances stacked up on the pavement outside the store. Carol asked if I needed any help. I said that I was looking for a large-drum washing machine and she said the store’s washing machines are priced from £220, and added that the largest capacity stocked was 12kg.


Carol didn’t really show any interest in helping me. She showed me an 11kg model and details of delivery and install – and that was it. The store was slightly untidy.


That model was out of stock, but Carol showed me an 11kg model from Hotpoint, which was priced at £399.99. I asked Carol for some details of the product and she advised that I should look online for that information. Carol said that it would cost £35 to have the product delivered and installed. On the Hotpoint website – after I left the store – I found that this was the NSWM 1146 W UK model.


Sales skills: 4/5


Store presentation:


5/5


Total score: 9/10


Sharon knew her beans (no pun intended). She did a really good job in explain the features of both machines, but also the differences between the two. The store was well presented.


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