It's no Bluewater! (West Quay)

Member Name: marln04

Product:	West Quay
Date:	24/05/08 (154 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good customer info point, John Lewis

Disadvantages: same old high street stores

West Quay shopping centre is located in the heart of Southampton City centre. It is approximately 4 miles from where I live and I spend many a Saturday afternoon trawling around the shops, bargain hunting with family or friends

West Quay opened in 2000 and contains over 90 retailers including major stores such as John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Waterstones, New Look, Zara etc. In my opinion Southampton seriously lacked a good selection of fashion stores, shoes shops etc. before West Quay. West Quay is now home to many of the major high street retailers which were once located across opposite ends of the city centre. However, the fact the it contains many of the same old shops that you find in most towns and cities is a real drawback. I find there is a lack of interesting unique shops which really lets it down. I am also disappointed that Waitrose has closed, only to be replaced by a gigantic New Look! I also feel that the type of shops in West Quay very much reflects the kind of shopper they wish to attract; that is young and female. There are countless women's fashion stores including Dorothy Perkins, Oasis, Warehouse, French Connection, New Look, Kookai, Karen Millen, Coast, La Senza, Monsoon etc. This is great for the serious female shopaholic but I think this could be off putting for older people, men or simply those individuals looking for a more interesting shopping experience.

West Quay is arranged over three floors. This would be fine if it were not for the fact that the toilets, cash points and eateries are located in the most awkward and inconvenient of places. The restaurants are predominantly located on the third floor which is accessed via a large escalator or a couple of lifts, one of which is frequently 'out of use'. The toilets on the other hand are located on the third floor or below 3 floors of shops on level 2 car park! You can imagine the hoards of people with shopping bags, prams etc. using the lifts, not only to reach the various shopping levels but the huge three tier car park which sits beneath West Quay. It is for this reason I think West Quay is poorly designed, and this creates a stressful shopping experience.

The range of places to eat is also pretty poor and consists of fast food outlets including KFC, McDonalds, Harry Ramsdens, Singapore Sams, potato Jacks (or something similar) Café Giardino (selling sandwiches) Costa etc. There is also a lack of seating at busy times which means you are left walking around with your tray of food trying to grab the next available table/seat. The best place to eat, if you can afford it is John Lewis restaurant. Here they serve a good selection of hot & cold food, snacks etc, in a comfortable restaurant which has amazing views over Southampton (view isn't that great)

On a more positive note, West Quay customer service point is pretty good and is located on the lower shopping level. Here you can ask staff for directions, help etc. as I frequently have. Tickets for performances at the Mayflower Theatre can also be purchased here. There is also Touch screen information points dotted around the place, which are really useful in helping you find your way about should you need it. I cannot really comment on the Shopmobility service located on the Podium level 2 car park as I have never used it. However, the shop front is pretty large and it offers hire/use of all sorts of wheelchairs and scooters, for members or occasional use. Shopping escorts are also available if pre-booked.
Overall, I would say West Quay is a pretty good shopping centre but the lack of convenient, easily accessible facilities and unexciting shops, slightly ruins the experience for me. If you can handle the Saturday traffic, and feel ready to do battle with bustling shoppers, West Quay is worth a visit.

Summary: Pretty average stuff