Fantastic (Wilkinsons)

Member Name: Pingu

Product:	Wilkinsons
Date:	01/11/01 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great prices

Disadvantages: Boring layout

At first glance Wilkinson's appears to fit into a category of store that I've spent some time slating on this site - the 'jack of all trades store.' When you walk in and see decorating gear next to stationery, cosmetics, confectionery, toys, books etc, you could be forgiven for thinking that Wilkinson's might not be able to decide what they are.

If the point of the store were convenience - i.e. getting everything under one roof - then this would be a problem. Like WHSmiths, Woolworth's and most other stores that seem to supply some of everything, Wilkinson's have a very limited range of everything. With the advent of malls full of specialist stores, the jack of all trades store is no longer needed.

But the point of Wilkinson's is not convenience, but price - and they do it very, very well. Whilst the range may be limited they do manage to have the core brands of most products. I was just decorating, and found Harris brushes, Polycell adhesives, Crown paints and various other traditional names, all at fantastic prices. OK I still had to go to B&Q for a couple of items, but the savings were way more than enough to justify the trip to both stores.

Wilkinsons' doesn't have great excitement value. I don't ever think of just going and browsing, in the same way that I might HMV. But what it does - AND THAT'S PRICE - it does extremely well. Give them a try.

Summary: