When you first walk in the door, this shop appears to have the potential to be a small Williams Sonoma or Sur la Table, but the similarities end when you spend a few moments trying to find something specific. Certain item sizes, colors, model variations, etc. are always "out of stock", leaving you frustrated that you wasted your time going to a brick-and-mortar store, and ultimately having to go home and order the product online.
I tried to give this store a chance, but after many, many experiences like that over the course of several years, I have given up hope on Habitat entirely. I haven't been there for over a year, but the older (unfriendly) lady at the cash register outright lied to me about product availability, saying that a brand of bowl only came in the size and color they had in stock -- all while I was comparing other colors and sizes on my phone, available from vendors around the country. Sometimes they have something in stock in small quantities, and if you miss out, they may not have it again for months; and I don't mean obscure seasonal decorations, but cooking essentials that are needed year-round.
Everyone complains that local stores are going out of business because of internet competition, but I think that's largely an excuse made by dud business owners. For example: right next door is Hobby Town USA which has an amazing supply of products, competitive prices with online giants, and the gumption to do special orders for rapid delivery if you need something they don't have.
Habitat, by comparison, seems like a place that "wants to act" as if they're a serious cooking store, but then doesn't want to put in the effort or investment to stock the product quantities and varieties needed by true, hardcore foodies. read more
