| Product: |
Debenhams |
| Date: |
03/04/04 (1503 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: Straight to your door, good designs and ranges
Disadvantages: pricey, delivery charges
(Debenhams Direct is a new, or perhaps, not that new now, service from Debenhams, the countries leading department store. (Their words not mine!)
I received their Spring Summer 2004 catalogue within a week of ordering. It is not as massive and chunky as other mail order catalogues can be, with less than 550 pages of clothes for all the family, and items for the home.
I was offered 10% off my first order and 250 Nectar points. (See later on in review!).
On first viewing, the catalogue looks fresh and fashionable, with pinks and mauves and young beautiful ladies and blonde blue eyed children.
The main part of the catalogue is made up of womens wear, with over 230 pages of top fashion ideas. Mens fashion takes up approximately 40 pages and childrenswear, just over 50. Home and Electrical products accommodate over 140 pages.
At the beginning of each section, there is a separate index to aid your search for the perfect item. The categories for clothing are:-
Designers
Fashion
Relaxed Formal
Casual wear
Outerwear
Swimwear
Lingerie
Accessories
Footwear
Names which you can expect to see in the ranges are Jasper Conran, Jeff Banks, Warehouse, Morgan, Principles, Pineapple, and many more.
Obviously categories alter slightly between mens and womens wear , for example, lingerie is nightwear etc.
In my opinion, the Debenhams catalogue would perhaps suit the 'professional woman', if that is the right phrase to use. Although there are a few casual items, they are always on the verge of being classy! The majority of the catalogue is very smart or elegant wear, with evening dresses to die for. I consider the new range of swimwear to be the best I have seen this season, with
basic styles in basic colours along witht the new tankini sets.
The lingerie and shoe sections are up to the minute. You can expect to pay around £16 - £20 for a nice bra or any where from £35 - £40 for a pair of shoes, but they are splendid!
There are cheaper ranges, but the variety is limited.
In comparison to the ladie section, the mens area is very casual and young, with lots of sporty even surfy looks from names such as Ben Sherman, Maine, Levis and Jeff Banks. Thomas Nash and Jeff Banks hold a couple of pages of smart wear but it is stil quite informal.
The childrens wear is very sporty and I was not impressed. I did not find anything imparticular to buy for my son. The teenage girl formal wear is pretty but again nothing spectacular.
The interiors section, I consider to be lovely just over priced. For example, I found a silver metal mirror, 111 cms x 81 cm which I quite fancied for my sitting room. The price was £200! Astandard lamp would cost up to £80. Not really in my league. The sofas and occasional furniture is very inspirational and the designs are wonderful. The ranges are very vaired and come in lots of colours with matching accessories.
Also in the interiors section, there is bedding and lighting. Again, the higher end of the price mark.
The electrical section is good.They have all the major makes, Servis, Beko, Hotpoint and Hoover, at competitive prices. They have appliances to fit any size home and with as many gadgets as you would want. The appliances also look classier, as they are shown in the silver rather than the traditional white, which is also available! The same goes for all the additional appliances required for the kitchen, such as kettles, toasters.
TVs, DVDs, Hi fis and Videos
also have a good price range, again with all the known brands. A 14" Teletext television will cost around £80, a basic DVD player, around £65.
A complete and useful catalogue to have.
As for their service, it is as complete as needed. You can ring in the order, mail or go online to www.debenhams.com. You need the item number size colour, along with your customer number to order.
Debenhams accept Visa Switch Delta Mastercard Amex or the Debenhams Account card, which can be appplied for, subject to credit status.
Any item over £399 can be placed on interest free credit over six months, which can be applied for when ordering.
When shopping with Debenhams, you also collect points for the Sainsbury's Nectar Card. For every £2 spent, you gain one point.
Delivery is free on orders over £300, £3.50 for standard delivery (within two working days) £4.50 for next day delivery.
As with all mail order catalogue, Debenhams offer a returns option. You just have to return the items within 28 days in the original packaging. You are refunded as soon as they receive the item back. It is very reliable and have had no problems receiving money back.
Orders from the Debenhams Direct catatlogue can be placed in store with the customer services desk also.
Debenhams direct is a very simple way to shop, if you are a regular at Debenhams. For that special occasion or new job, I think it is brill, but for every day wear, far too pricey and smart! But maybe Im just a slob! Take a look, the catalogue is free! What have you got to lose!!
To get a catalogue go to www.debenhams.com or telephone 0800 0288 266. You can also pick them up instore!
Thank you for reading. If I have missed anything out, that
you want to know, drop me a line!!
Kerry xx
Summary:
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Last comment:
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Foxy-Lady - 03/04/04 An excellent, detailed review.
Don't think I can think of anything else to add either!
Leanne ~ Shopping Guide |
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