Ballantynes Department Store Christchurch — Attraction in Christchurch

My partner does not have a google account but insisted I post this review on his behalf: -

I originally had a negative experience. I felt rushed during the sizing process for a pair of RM Williams Comfort Craftsmen with the standard rubber sole. The lady who served me was nice enough but didn't advise me well. I felt pressured by her to purchase a boot which was too small as they "looked better" and "would stretch". I needed a wide "H" instead of the "G" sold to me. This ended up causing me agony over the next 10 days and I ended up taking the boots for an independent valuation at a local cobblers who told me they were certainly not the right fit for me, and they also noticed a fault in the leather I hadn't noticed.

I emailed Ballantynes and ended up going back in-person. I spoke to the menswear manager Brendon, and was warmly greeted by him and given the unique circumstances of this scenario I was immediately offered a replacement boot. I was extremely impressed with the resolution process and everyone I spoke to was highly respectful and not once did I feel rushed or like I was causing a hassle for anyone there. Brendon highly impressed me, he was very genuine and patient, committing to seeing I had the right pair of boots. He patiently spent the next 1.5 hours talking me through sizing, and attentively helping me get the right fit. In the end I left the store with a extremely comfortable fitting pair of boots. It turned out I needed the dynamic flex style with the removable insoles (this type has the rubber and leather sole combo), in a wide "H" fit. By end end of it I was getting a bit of decision fatigue but Brendon's expertise really helped me make the right choice regarding size!

These boots are perfect. I left the store comfortable, and remain comfortable. They are the best pair of boots I have owned and they are a night/day difference to what I originally got sized in. Overall I was extremely impressed with Ballantyne's resolution process and returns process, for this reason I won't hesitate to come back and I will likely buy another pair of my boots in black in the next few months.

Some words of wisdom to prospective buyers of RM Williams Boots: They are tricky to size. Try all the boot types available. Take your time, don't get pressured by sales clerks, go with what feels right and comfortable. Don't just spend 5 minutes in them, actually walk around the store in them to gauge sizing. Read RM Williams' website instructions on sizing - the uppers of the boots DO NOT stretch, at most they "ease". Really pay attention to toe room, the toe box will not stretch at all. I noticed that different pairs, all the same boot in the same size, all felt slightly different. I think this is partly due to unique manufacturing tolerances and I would encourage you to try the same size but different pairs to see what fits the best. Once bought, wear your boots at home on carpet initially, don't wear them outside on concrete immediately, so in the case you do happen to have the wrong size, they...

A genuinely appalling experience. I was gifted a watch for an important birthday during the Christmas period, and upon opening it, I immediately noticed a centimeter-long scratch on the clasp. While disappointed, I didn’t think much of it, assuming it would be a quick fix.

I returned it as soon as I was next in town, bringing it to the store along with the receipt. The assistant then ripped off the exterior packaging, calling it the "gift wrapping." There was a certain irony in this, given that they would soon accuse me of causing the damage to the watch. Despite this, I explained the issue, only to be told they could "send it to Auckland and then provide a quote for the repair" since it had been "too long," and the staff couldn’t be certain whether I was responsible for the damage.

A truly baffling response. By that logic, the store could say the same to anyone returning a faulty product within the 30-day period. More importantly, the watch had not even been worn and still had the protective covering over the face.

The fact remains: we were sold a faulty product and returned it within the store’s 30-day policy. Not only was I denied a proper resolution, but I was also essentially accused of being untruthful. Absolutely shocking customer service and a complete disregard for their own return policies.

Highly disappointing that Christchurch's leading retailer didn’t prioritize...

We came to do Christmas shopping on Sat We were served by Kim in the pantry who gave us exceptional service as we chose products for a family gift basket Kim helped us choose products and gift wrapped it to perfection she even carried it to our car as it was heavy Kim was Soo polite and lovely smile everything you could wish for in exceptional service Well done Kim We then went to several department s and purchased other gifts service was all excellent We went to find the Christmas shop and we're very disappointed as to where it was stuck in the back of children's wear and was very disappointed in the location and merchandise available not a patch on years ago when it was on first floor and as you came up the escalator there you could see it in all its glory just so beautiful While we were in store several people commented on its location and chose of decorations Christmas is such a joyous time of the year and we all should be clutching at the nice things in life as we have all had a terrible year I hope you will take in hand my comments and to congratulate Kim in Pantry for her fantastic service It still is nice to come into Ballantynes and we always enjoy coming in to shop and to see Ballantynes still gives very nice traditional service an to see it has moved with the times to also cater for the young adults Many thanks once again Penny McAlister...