Jones Bootmaker could be described as one of the more 'upmarket' shoe shops, with tasteful, classic-style shoes that never seem to go out of fashion. It is wheelchair friendly, but note that its city-centre location makes parking difficult, and expensive.
I bought a couple of pairs of ladies' leather brogues - one black and one dark brown. Lovely shape and style. The man who served me - the manager as it turned out - was very attentive and helpful. I came away feeling pleased with my purchase. That was just before Christmas.
In the new year, after wearing one of the pairs once, I noticed that one of the eyelets was beginning to tear. They were not cheap - £90 each pair - so I took the shoes back. I'd owned them less than six weeks and genuinely had worn them only once, but the manager refused to give me a refund, stating that it was down to 'wear and tear'. I have to say that his manner, while not exactly rude, was quite defensive and confrontational. It got quite unpleasant, and ended with me saying this is against my consumer rights and him saying that he would call his regional manager and get back to me. I went for a coffee and waited for his call.
A couple of hours later, he called and I went back into the shop. He said that his manager had decided to make an exception on this occasion and would give me a refund, but told me in front of everyone in the shop that in future I couldn't just walk into the shop and demand my money back. I said I never demand anything, I'm always polite, but don't particularly like the way I have been treated. I got my refund, but only after a lot of fuss and it left me with a very unpleasant feeling.
My advice? This shop is only for people who have absolutely no intention of taking anything back for a refund - for example, tourists. For the rest of us, all I can say is, let the buyer beware! read more