My girlfriend and I are into the whole contemporary/industrial style furniture so, I decided to go and check out some of the furniture after work. The staff are extremely rude and only really cater to you if you are dressed like you have money or show the interest in their furniture. I was simply browsing the store and a very pushy salesperson immediately looked at me like I was growing a PT Cruiser from the side of my neck when I respectfully refused her assistance.
After browsing for about 30 minutes, I sent some pictures of the nicely designed coffee tables, extremely bland, cheaply made AND overpriced bed frames, some cool bar tables and modern stools to my girlfriend. I was approached abruptly, in front of a family and 2 other couples, in a brutally unprofessional manner, by one of the saleswomen who scalded me as if I were a double O agent who had just blown his cover, after unearthing the closely guarded, supremely confidential files, detailing the exact location of Carmen Sandiego's hideout.
Seriously though, I was treated as if I was an extremely talented counterfeiting carpenter/furniture maker; it was flattering and appalling, all at the same time...
After politely explaining that I lived in 2014 and was merely using my phone to get the "ye or nay" blessing from my girlfriend on a few pieces, she reiterated that alleged CIA agents were not allowed to take photos in this exclusive, poorly lit warehouse due to their espionage policies. (For those who can't read between the lines, I am referring to the no photo policy)
Anyhow, I was going to purchase one of the cool slatted steel coffee tables, however, due to the above reasons, I decided to keep my dignity and self respect and walk out of the store. (Seriously, don't tell me I can't take a photo of your regurgitated designs and big price tags, people in Alberta do just fine financially; you aren't hiding conceptual stealth fighter jet designs or the truth about who actually killed JFK in your store, its furniture for the love of god; we honestly have better things to do than to go back to our basements and begin replicating these bland designs to put week old potatoes and gruel on the table.....)
Ironically, the 50 year old man dressed in his Tommy Bahama button down and nicely pressed dockers was not approached once as he took photos of virtually everything in the store. I knew I should have worn my good cords and Hawaiian shirt to work today.
Also, if you are below the age of 30, don't bother going in here as you will get looked down on and discriminated against as if you are a rabid dog with fleas. If you do actually decide to tempt fate and venture into the chamber of secrets, remember to say the password before you pass through the front doors, "Take our money!!!!! What are you waiting for!?", otherwise the laser defense system will almost certainly vaporize you before you can bat an eyelash or even contemplate the thought of retreat. Don't worry though, once the staff hear you speak these words or the loose change in your pocket, they will disable the system promptly, as they don't want to risk a dollar of almost certain profit.
In conclusion and with all bias aside, the store is OKAY at best. Yes, they have some very different light fixtures and the odd industrial/contemporary piece here and there that is very unique and well built, but the majority of items are made of cheap melamine and Ikea replicas (.......we get it, you like the Malm furniture line). I have come across about 85% of their inventory at other locations in the city for almost half the price in some cases. In short, the price to quality ratio is brutally putrid and a lot of the furniture is lagging 2-3 years behind the current trends. Save yourself some money, regret and time and avoid F2 at all costs.
Suggestions:
I found that stores like Reside and Finesse have much better quality, prices, selection, and services without a shadow of a doubt.
I highly recommend Reside for bedframes, bar tables, couches and coffee tables (we purchased a beautiful $2500.00 bedframe from them and the quality is impeccable; it will last a lifetime.) A++ Service.
Finesse has a great selection of furniture you won't find anywhere in Edmonton; the prices are cheaper than F2, however, it still isn't cheap.
F2 Management - If you want tips on how to run a successful business or need a consularie (if it softens the sting, you can call me Tom Hagen), send me a message and I'd be more than happy to explain the facets of customer service, product quality and business ethics. Thanks. read more
