Crate & Barrel

We live out of state but our families live in the Chicago area, so our wedding is back home and the shower was too. I came back for our shower last weekend and we received nearly our entire registry. Since I flew in for the weekend, I could only take a large bag to bring home unbreakable items, almost all the C + B gifts were left behind to be stored at my parents’ house. It would have cost a fortune to ship and insure all the gifts, so we were thinking about waiting 4 months until we came back for our wedding and bringing them home with us afterward. My mom called the Geneva store and explained our predicament. The associate pulled up the registry and offered to ship everything from the store — at no charge! Awesome customer service!

I like this location so much more than Oak Brook.
First, we registered at the Geneva shop for our wedding. The sales associate had some difficulty with the computer system, but I think it was just a glitch with the equipment. She was very patient and willing to assist us. Then we were able to walk around the store, uninterrupted with no one breathing down our necks, and register for whatever we liked. We were also able to delete things without asking for assistance.
Second, we got a free gift for registering. It wasn’t something lame like a Happy Meal toy either, we received a small, very nice clear vase. I’ve used it one or two times.
Last, once your wedding date has passed, they send you 10% off cards for items on your list that weren’t purchased. BONUS: the 10% off is good for items that weren’t on your list as well.
Most recently, I visited this store to purchase bedding. I was assisted almost immediately, and when I changed my mind about pillowcases, the associate was still friendly toward me even though she had to go back in the warehouse.

So here’s my secret shame:
I recently moved into a new apartment in Oak Park (which, as a side note, is AWESOME). So naturally I told myself, I need new stuff.
But not just any ol’ new stuff. New Stuff from C&B. Now, I’m 22 years old. I’ve been ogling the selection at this store since I was in middle school and they first opened, just dreaming of the day that I would be able to furnish my own nest with their finery. Then came the day that I had the chance. I went and picked out an entertainment center and a flatware set.
Oh. My. Goodness.
I’ve never been more satisfied with a consumer experience IN MY LIFE. Not only were they friendly, but they called me a few days after I picked up the entertainment center (it would have cost extra to have it delivered so far away from the store I ordered from) to make sure that everything went smoothly. And when I say «they called», I mean the woman who sold me the center, remembered my name, and told me that if I needed anything to let her know. Great customer service.
On top of all that, I got a hand-​written «thank you» note on C&B stationary in the mail yesterday. I mean, I realize the sales gal is out to sell me more furniture, however if there’s one thing I truly appreciate, it’s not having to look at a bill from a place, but a hand-​written note. I can’t say enough good things about them. I’ll be registering for wedding items there someday, and I don’t think I’ll shop anywhere for furniture or cookware again.
Do yourself a major favor and head to Crate & Barrel for anything you need.

Ordered some stuff online that I returned here. The sales person was friendly and it took all of two minutes. It was an errand dream come true.

I so wanted to give my recent experience five stars but cannot due to the ineptitude of this store. I recently purchased a console table for my new flat screen, had it delivered, hubby set it all up and I plopped down on the sofa to admire it and one of the cabinet handles was crooked. I don’t mean like this piece is rustic, slightly off center, I mean like twenty degrees off.
I called the store the next day and never got a call back. Following day they called me at work and didn’t apologize. Really. So I set up a reorder and asked could they please check the handles before the new piece is sent. The not so friendly lady said yes but that I better check them too!
So, second Sunday delivery today and the delivery guy had us come out to the truck and take a look because he thought the handle was crooked. I couldn’t believe my ears. I put on my shoes, walked outside and it’s the same.
Delivery guy said he would let the store know what happened. I picked up a voice mail later this morning that I refused delivery on the new piece. Yep, apparently I’m the one with the problem. So I called the manager back who was polite but annoyed. She said they try not to do more than three deliveries and maybe I should go to the warehouse and pick one. Nope. Then she wanted to set up another delivery date and of course it’s another Sunday. I have to set aside more time for this fiasco.
I’m so disappointed in you Crate and Barrel. I’ve been shopping at your store for years and even registered there. I guess Room and Board will appreciate your lack of concern. Your loss is their gain.

I am a fan of all things Crate & Barrel. They have my wedding registry and I love them. Shopping in the store puts me in a good mood. It’s so cheerful. I should work there.
On Christmas, I received a box of margarita glasses. Unfortunately, one was cracked. I called the store the day after Christmas and the woman who helped me was so pleasant! She quickly checked the sku number to see if they had the item in stock and assured me that they did and I could come in to exchange it.
Her taking my call on the day after Christmas, which I’m sure was packed and crazy, was great! Crate & Barrel gets 5 stars from me.