iglimpse:
Don't agree.
Many of these type of dept stores will price match cheaper, less efficient shops. You just have to be very selective what you buy from them.
Better customer service, no quibble if product goes wrong. I prefer John Lewis to HOFraser personally.
It is your choice, some people will pay a lot extra for the better service, not me though
Like everything, just have to do you homework first
Agree with some of your points to a certain extent, but:
HOF is inefficient in most ways you can imagine, the stores are poorly laid out and not an especially good range of stock. It stays afloat on the consession rents alone.
Jenners, M&S and others nearly went under in the last two or three years because of their layout alone and uncompetitive price point for equivalent quality products elsewhere.
But it seems to get foot fall as people seem to have some misplaced idea that it is high quality store - it is a spruced up debenhams IMO.
For products that are overpriced against all their rivals, go to HOF. For true competition, the high street beats it hands down.
Oh and HOF does not price match because it is concession policy that dictates a price match or not. I know this as I have tried on many many occasions to price match everything from pots and pans to hoovers to TVs to curtains and furniture. Flat out no was the response.
Each to their own, I hope someone gets a deal.
