Homebase - Poor customer service.

Orange_King

No problems with Homebase in Bangor - and they even offer plant trays for free on the way out and in the outdoor bit.

psybear

Golden_Anemone wrote: »

jeffer - I call into Homebase at Galwally fairly regularly as it's on my way home from work. In the last couple of years the only member of staff in the entire store who appears to be working when I'm there is a very nice Indian lady who does the tills. She can have a queue 5 deep and there will still be a bunch of half a dozen wasters standing gossiping at Customer Services. The store is very badly managed by the look of it.

Agree with the comments regarding this lady. Invariably very pleasant, service with a smile, in fact I should have asked for the manager before now to tell him/her, as I am the first to complain when I get bad service in any store. I'll make a point of asking for the manager when I'm next in.

jenheiffer

Two peculiar things happened when I was there this week -

I called in to check how a particular lawnmower was to be assembled (instructions that came with it were useless and I knew they had an assembled one on display). A membert of staff asked me if I was OK and when I said what I was doing she said 'That lawnmower has been put together wrongly, whoever did it' but didn't seem to be particularly bothered about it.

I also went out to the gardening section to look for some forget-me-nots but the young lad I spoke to didn't even know what forget-me-nots were, had never heard of them.

motorguy

I really dont know how homebase survives.

I'd say it will go the way of lazer electrical before long

caz2703

Homebase and Argos are owned by the Home Retail Group so unlikely to go the way of Laser. The store in Upper Galwally however I could see shutting as there's rarely many people in the store and those that do go in are put off by the staff (apart from the nice Indian lady on the till!!).

Golden_Anemone

I've decided I'm going to print this thread and send it to the manager at Galwally and maybe the head office too! I hope they appreciate that lady but cynic that I am I doubt it.

crusty_toenail

Homebase Newtownabbey staff are really helpful! I got top class advice on sanders, and there always seems to be people around to ask.

The lady that served at customer service today was very friendly and I've always had good shopping experience there!!

The B&Q (beside Tesco at Newtownabbey) is a different story! There is a lovely woman who was selling cutains for £3 the other day and had great customer service, but in general the staff at customer service are very rude and have no idea of manners or how to treat people! And all these experiences are when I am actually 'trying' to buy something!!!

I have has so much bad customer service in this store now I just go to Homebase!!!!!!:T

motorguy

caz2703 wrote: »

Homebase and Argos are owned by the Home Retail Group so unlikely to go the way of Laser. The store in Upper Galwally however I could see shutting as there's rarely many people in the store and those that do go in are put off by the staff (apart from the nice Indian lady on the till!!).

If its loss making, i could see them cutting it lose and closing it down. I cant see that is making any money.

mrscunningham54

I've been reading this customers poor shopping experience and thought i ought to register and share my very pleasant service i received at this particular Homebase Gallwally. As a 54 year old woman i am useless when it comes to paint, but my husband sent me to B&Q Holywood Exchange with a list of various paints/finishes to buy.

I was amazed how rude and aarogant the staff in B&Q came across so i left empty handed and headed to the 'rival', it was a Saturday afternoon so the store was busy, i wasn't sure which way to go so i approached a young man 'Mark' (on his nametag) after a few minutes. I was very surprised how informative he was when i ask him about suitable paint for each job and he seemed to be very knowledgeable and well educated. He seemed quite busy cleaning something at the time but helped me and i left the store with everything i needed.

Will definitely be back, great service

If you just want the odd item it is excellent but, i find that ordering in store can be a pain.

Jane Cunningham

treaclebob

I concur re Homebase Newtownabbey - very helpful staff. I've never had a problem. I think if all the staff in a shop are rude/ lazy (eg Galwally, except NIL and Mark of course) it generally has seeped down from the people in management. Heading off to Homebase Newtownabbey today and looking forward to the usual good service.