Williams-Sonoma — Local services in New York

I normally like this store, and have purchased a ton of stuff over the years. Williams Sonoma - usually - not only has great products/ brands but most importantly - also great service. Professional and knowledgeable

I went to the 7th Ave store today with the intent to replace my cookware. The incredibly poor, unprofessional service of “thomas” made me just leave the store with nothing

Before i even asked him anything, he looked annoyed that i was even approaching him. He literally gave out a sigh. I asked if he was free, and he let out the most exasperated ‘yes’ I’ve ever heard. I asked him if he was sure, and said he seemed distracted. He said, no, it’s fine, I’m just watching something. I told him maybe he should just focus on that, i don’t want to be a bother and he just vaguely rolled his eyes and said, no, it’s fine. I should have just moved on.

I asked him about non-stick cookware. Because the last set i had - from W-S, was all-clad and the non stick was completely peeling off. The set is roughly 18 months old. With a very condescending look and near scolding tone, he asks me if im using metal utensils. I say no, wood and silicone. Then he rolls off, are you washing it in the dishwasher. I say yes, about half the time. He says, well, there you go. That’s why it’s peeling. You should only hand wash

I said fine; but let’s be honest, everyone uses the dishwasher. But more importantly - I’ve had several other sets of non stick that I’ve used in the dishwasher, and while not ideal, they lasted for years, not peeling off after 18 months.

He said, literally - “you asked me why they peeled off. The first question they tell us to ask is metal utensils. Second question is dishwasher. That’s why they peeled off”

I was just dumbfounded. It’s not that i think he’s right or wrong, i know you shouldn’t use the dishwasher. I didn’t even come in for all-clad, I’m done with them. I was just starting the conversation to help evaluate a new set - which i was going to buy today!

So not only am i sick of W-S, they literally lost cookware set sale. All due to “Thomas”.

I don’t envy a retail associate at the end of the day. But if you don’t like answering “dumb” questions for high priced things, maybe don’t do that for work? I’d have to imagine answering questions about how various cookware products perform is pretty standard for a sales associate job at...

What could have been a nice review of a surviving brick & mortar store competing with Big Box Retailer’s & Amazon; I’m sad to say this store had a chance to and blew it. It’s really a shame and one of the first times in recent years I’ve felt deliberately targeted and profiled; which really was upsetting. Especially considering two white women were in the store with no mask and no one speaking to them about that when that’s posted on the door. I’m wearing a mask, ready to actually make a big purchase and perusing what else they might have. Talking with my partner via text & picture mail on anything else we might need, and what would be a good gift; I was approached in a rude manner and tone followed by a discourse on what this employee found okay to do in store. There’s no signage or posting about any sort of photography but there is about masks and wearing them. I watched as the the duo was not harassed yet I’m singled out. Followed by being followed around the store and rushed along for my purchase. Which was all irking seeing this other group clearly treated differently; like night and day. Whether they made a purchase or not I can’t be sure but it didn’t seem like it. But because a black man is in the store , with a backpack and hoodie there’s some issue. Meanwhile I was at first celebrating how nice the store looked and the nice products. It was a shame and feeling the following around the store just felt gross. If I had time to go somewhere else to purchase this gift, I would’ve. Another employee at the counter (and was seemingly a long term employee) offered assistance in the area of the item I needed. Her friendliness and expertise was a bit more refreshing after the two other employees were so distasteful; but it doesn’t salvage the shopping experience. If i wasn’t crunched for time in my life I really would’ve spent these hundreds with anyone else or company; and remained not petty enough to next day air my decision through Amazon. But this Williams-Sonoma is likely not the pride of their stores and I’d avoid them. Shop anywhere else with better customer service.

In my fashion of honest reviews I will say the store is very clean, well lit, well stocked, and the cashier did their best without knowing what the other employees did , said, and my ruined experience. If you choose to shop here I hope you have a better...

On Friday, June 13th, 2025, my partner and I came to this store at around 6:30pm to buy a couple of items. While I was looking at the utensil sets, an associate stood right in front of me, didn’t say anything, and stared me down/hovered over me. He didn’t introduce himself nor did he ask if either of us needed any help. I asked if they had any more of the wooden spatulas because the one on display was chipped. With an expressionless face, he just said “no” and didn’t give any alternatives. Then, my partner and I walked over to where the utensil organizers were, and the same associate stood right behind me, just looking to see what we were doing— didn’t ask if we needed help with anything, just hovered over as though he was expecting us to steal something. I felt so uncomfortable and for some reason judged by this associate who, again, I don't know his name because he barely spoke to us…so much for customer service, right? Anyway, me being a person of color, just like him, expected more from him and am truly disappointed at his behavior. I felt like I was being racially profiled and just stopped asking him any questions because he made me feel so minuscule for absolutely no reason. I just wanted to get out of there so I told my partner for us to leave. Because of his behavior, we will never step foot in this establishment again. We will not support this kind of behavior. I hope that whoever is in charge of this store, reads not only this review, but all of them, and reevaluates the kind of employees they want to represent their store. This employee should not be working any type of customer service and if he thinks of himself so highly so as to look down at some of us, then maybe this isn’t his calling. What a hostile and unprofessional environment....