I wanted to like this store more than I did. I have a fondness for the older more traditional department stores, you generally get better more personal service. I have been to this store a couple of times. I find the layout and geography very difficult to navigate, upon entering the store from the main South street entrance, you are almost immediately confronted with product, it seems like every metre of space has been filled with something, the escalators didn't work (when they do, they only go in one direction!), not that it mattered because it wasn't clear where anything was, everything seems piled up on itself, with steps and ramps all over the place. The product selection they have, once you find it, is good, there are some nice brands here. The service I received the first time I was there was exemplary, but the second time when I needed to pop in close to closing time, was the complete opposite, with lights dimmed, and sales people avoiding eye contact and you just in case you had the audacity to want to buy something 10 minutes before closing.
The other thing I find oddly offputting is the lack of any sort of music, you don't realise the stores have it until it isn't there, it makes the whole place with dim lighting, cramped floor space, odd geography and one way escalators all a lot more eerie with no background music. It feels like the place is in its old age and is slowly dying. read more