I'd been familiar with this company as it's a pretty big player locally in the restaurant supply business. I'd see their huge sign coming onto Hwy 400 north which says it's open to the public, and other references to them. I was curious for the longest time and wanted to check them out.
As it happened, I wanted to exchange a digital kitchen scale I received for Christmas, but the store didn't have the model I wanted. I went online to see where I could get it. The suggested places indicated approximately $80 retail price. Williams Sonoma only had it at one store, and wouldn't let me pick it up at another one. Walmart had it, but they want $120!? Yes it was the exact same model. Then I saw it on the clearance page on Nella's page, for $60. Woohoo! I could pay extra to have it shipped, or pick it up at this Fewster location. My stars were aligned, because I needed to pass by this same place for another occasion. I filled out the customer and payment info online, and all I had to do was wait for the item to be picked and ready.
I learned that not all the Nella stores work on the same platform. It's a family business that was originally established by grandfather, and subsequently sort of divided among other members. For example, the location near Hwy 400 isn't part of the online shopping system, so you have to visit in person.
I got my confirmation email that my item was ready for pickup. I bummed a ride with a friend who luckily was also interested in seeing the place. We just made it about 10 minutes before their closing time. They have ample parking in their private lot. We made our way in and were immediately presented with all kinds of heavy duty commercial kitchen gadgets like deli meat slicers, refrigerators, mixers, even ginormous charcuterie boards that were almost too nice to use. We asked where to pick up an order and we got some vague instructions towards the back corner further in. We found our way to the counter and the appropriate staff. She asked us to wait while she retrieved the item. I could see so many things I'd have loved to explore more. Victorinox and Wusthoff knives, household kitchen gadgets, so many other items filling the huge warehouse store.
When she returned, she gave me the item and then asked me to sign for it. She also made mention that they were closing, and it was like the whole place was poised to shut down on the dot. At least at this location, they are very precise about every aspect of running the place. That doesn't bother me as it also meant they take their business seriously and deliver it in every way.
I've opened and used my scale, and it works perfectly. I'm thrilled to have found it for the price I did here. I would love to return here, and check out other locations as well. read more