Williams-Sonoma — Local services in Sarasota

I usually like to shop online but my son wanted to get a feel for some of the knives he researched (he’s an aspiring chef) and thought it would be a good idea to go in the store before we buy online. The first sales representative was so friendly and knowledgeable and actually got him to try the knife by cutting potatoes. He ended up choosing a beautiful Shun knife, which we bought in the store and he was so excited. He’s been cooking non stop but felt that a week later we needed to go back to the store to have it sharpened for a small fee, as was told to us by the wonderful associate. We went back the store yesterday and was greeted by someone who would help us throughout the process. He was looking at a smaller knife as well and the didn’t have the one he wanted so she encouraged him to try another knife that was smaller for cutting smaller vegetables and herbs. We did not get the knife sharpened but she recommended that we use the honing tool we have at home. I asked if it mattered which honing tool we used and she recommended one but I thought it was nice to buy one from the Shun collection instead, so we did. The experience was pleasant until another woman came up behind my son and asked him if there was something she could help him with as he was cutting potatoes and he said “no, thank you”. This woman turned around and gestured to the other older woman with the most disgusted look on her face and as I’m purchasing the honing tool, I see the other woman shake her head and shrug her shoulders. I am in disbelief that this is the behavior they’re allowed to exhibit. She don’t know that we were all together. I could feel my blood boiling so I told her that we were already being helped and she didn’t even have the decency to look at me as she was shaking her head and said “that’s fine”. It happened again within 2 minutes of the other old woman asking her to go back over to speak to him and her response was “apparently they’re all together”. Meaning, myself, my son and his girlfriend who just flew back from traveling to Japan. I let the lady know who was helping me what the two had discussed. My son wanted to know what was wrong when we left the store. I didn’t want to make a scene, it’s not my style, however, I will make it known if I see her again. Maybe you all just need a little TLC. Is Williams and Sonoma working you guys too hard, please give them a break because it’s showing ALL OVER THEIR FACES AND DEMEANOR. Not good for business. Next time wont be so...

I was a loyal customer until 1/17/2019. My husband and I walked in with the intention of using my $25 birthday rewards. So we looked around. I was holding 3 espresso cups with Leters when Paula asked to hold them at the counter. I obliged to free up my hands. My husband suggested truffle oil. I was holding the oil when Paula came over to take that from me as well. I wasn’t convinced I was buying it so I thanked her but told her no, that I wasn’t sold yet. After a few moments of looking I placed the oil back in the shelf and continued shopping. After a few more moments I told my husband that I really didn’t need anything snd that I would tell Paula I changed my mind about the espresso cups she was holding. She then said “Ok, and what about the other item you were holding? What did you do with the oil?” WHAT?? I’m a store manager in retail over 20 years and there are things you can and can not say to a customer. She was implying I was stealing!! Companies get sued for associated saying or implying the wrong thing. I was insulted, still am!! Had a conversation with customer service and her store manager of 2 days. I only heard excuses!! I showed them my birthday certificate and told them what I do for a living. Paula denied everything. Didn’t show character and own up to her mistake. This is how...

Original review: April 10, 2019 I received a gift along with a gift receipt. I realize it had been purchased more than 30 days prior, but I was honest and took the receipt along with the item (in original packaging and never opened) to my local store. I had to wait for the manager to become available. He was in the backroom and appeared unwilling to speak with me until I insisted on speaking with him. He told me there was a 30 day return policy and corporate had stressed this recently. No exceptions. I do understand the policy, but I had only received this gift a few days before. I told him I would be perfectly happy with a merchandise credit. He declined. I want Williams Sonoma to know I have been a faithful customer, even waiting weeks for the delivery of my Nespresso machine. At a cost of $39.95 Williams Sonoma has...