Where Are We Supposed To Buy Posh Glasses And Tableware From These Days?

[barry1010]

Not so long ago i was spoilt for choice of department stores to browse, there were at least 7 within walking distance. Now there is not one local to me.
These are the sort of goods I want to handle before buying but I cannot think of a single shop that sells Wedgwood and Waterford near by.

Maybe i need to move to somewhere posh

[barry1010]

I live in between Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth, there is no outlet or John Lewis near me. I can easily get Stuart Crystal and other glass from the Stourbridge glass centre but not Waterford.

[barry1010]

Same problem with kitchenware, it was easy to compare the different pots and pans in the department store. I think it's important to feel the weight, check the stackability, handles and rivets of saucepans before buying. Most shops only seem to sell the cheaper ranges now.

[Bazile]

^^Has the one in Birmingham closed ?

[barry1010]

It closed nearly three years ago

[youngmafbog]

In the end I got sick of buying pots and pans so bough some commercial Vogue tri-wall. Solid as anything, not cheap (The steamer I just bought one of my daughters was over £100) but they will see me out so long term maybe not so bad. I reckon they will see youngest out too and she is not 30 yet!

Same for the knives, bought a set of Dick premier plus, cost over £500 but what a differnce.

[Buenchico]

Brierly Hill Crystal is just down the road from you, Barry:
https://brierleyhillcrystal.co.uk/

You're about 35 miles from the World of Wedgwood shop in Barlaston (or 40 miles from the House of Fraser store in Solihull, which is listed as a stockist):
https://www.wedgwood.com/en-gb/our-company/our-stores

House of Fraser also stocks Waterford Crystal:
https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/waterford

House of Fraser stores can be found on Corporation Street in Birmingham and in the Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield.

[barry1010]

The last time I went to House of Fraser in Birmingham it was pitiful, just before Christmas 4 or 5 years ago. Only two floors open, no housewares for sale, no toys and no Christmas grotto. I was shocked at how bad it was, of course this was not long after the takeover by Mike Ashley.
Brierley Hill Crystal is really not very good these days. It is quite sad to see the decline in quality

[Hopkirk]

Where big stores are still open people go in to touch and feel the items. They decide what they want to buy.

Then they go home and buy it cheaper online.

[barry1010]

I remember well the Lewis's store in Birmingham (not John Lewis) when it had a roof garden with a petting zoo and a large road layout with zebra crossings and Belisha beacons for children to ride pedal cars. A small fun fair, too. Fabulous food hall and the hairdresser's had animal shaped chairs for little ones.

[Barsel]

We used to have a Lewis's like that in manchester. I think it's a Primark now.
Did you see my post earlier Barry?

[Hopkirk]

Rackham's and Lewis's side by side up Corporation Street in Brum. Further back down that road was a little upstart record store where you could go into a booth and listen to a record. It was called Virgin Records.

[dustypuss]

Hope this helps

https://www.lakeland.co.uk