Qype User (happyD…)
Yelp
The selection of umbrellas is excitingly varied, and the traditional decour and politeness (depending on staff) certainly creates an inviting atmosphere.
The umbrellas vary in price from £30 to £200+ and I had my heart set on a bespoke model. Therefore, I decided to test the store, with their cheaper models beforehand - going on the basis that if they are sold within the same lineage (from that store) then they should insist upon quality throughout.
I was advised by a gruff staff member, that this (£30 umbrella) was not a throw away, but was a 'keeper', therefore if any issues occurred then I should bring it in for repair. This was exactly what I wanted to hear, after all one can easily purchase a decent full length umbrella elsewhere for £10.
I was very happy with my purchase, one could tell that it exuded something a bit special (slim profile, good balance, sturdy canvas) and fortunately for me, I had a few rainy days to test it out. However, within 2 weeks, I noticed the canvas starting to unravel at the top. I returned this later on, explaining that it had unravelled - expecting it to be a quick repair, but was told that I might as well buy another one since repair is £30 - so much for spending more on an investment.
Stupidly, I decided to do buy again, after a chat with a more polite member of staff. This time, I ensured that I let the umbrella fully dry whilst open, each time it was used. It may be due to that fastidious approach, or perhaps it was of better stock, but this time the umbrella showed signs of unravelling after a few months.
I have decided against spending £200+ on the bespoke umbrellas at this store. I abhor the disposable consumerism that is currently celebrated, thus am willing to spend more on an investment which will work out cheaper (and more enjoyable) in the long run - with few, if any, cheap repairs needed. Unfortunately, too many businesses, especially in this country, profit from their heritage whilst their contemporary offers leave a lot to be desired.
£30 is a lot for a simple repair, especially if it due to a design fault. It is a shame that such little attention was paid to the details especially when they could have so easily been resolved (canvas too tight and/or not enough stitching.) Had they addressed this, then they would have easily won my confidence in the company and by now I would have hopefully established a good relationship with them.
Unfortunately, I really do not know of any viable alternatives, other than overpriced designer brands, to offer both bespoke and off-the-shelf umbrellas. So unless I find one, I shall continue to use my second purchase from this shop, until the canvas comes apart to the extent that it is easily noticable, or problematic.
I know that repeating ones mistakes is a sure sign of madness; however, the actual products are actually well made overall, and the stock and dedication to the solitary item means that I am seduced! It is such a glaring shame that it is just the details which bring the quality and reputation of this store (and its products) down in the same way that a pea-sized hole in the hull of a tanker could do the same thing.
If I had the skills to repair the faulty seam myself, my £30 purchase would be bullet-proof, and this shop would be 5/5 stars, but with a disclaimer. As it stands, I have decided that I shall be purchasing a 'final' umbrella from this store, I will spend up to £50 on it, just to check whether the differentiation in price affects the considerations (or materials.) Should this be a genuine 'keeper', then I will gladly recommend the products (£50+) to all, and purchase 4 bespoke umbrellas from the shop. However, if the same issue occurs, despite my previous feedback to store staff, then I shall cease the patronage of this shop, as it would signify 3 strikes against a shoddy firm who aim to profiteer from unwitting tourists with specious claims of quality derived from history.
Until then, my rating remains a cautionary 2/5.
