Forum Topic

Is this the best shop in the Borough of Wandsworth?

Belton & Slade, Wandsworth High Street. We have been using it for 40 years. My husband says the service is always excellent. Just thought they deserved a mention and wondered if there were any other gems about like this.

Martine Guy ● 399d12 Comments

Ed, I know someone who has been using B&Q for purchasing a few things recently. They do appear to have some knowledgeable people but it seems to be limited to certain stores; there's apparently no consistency and general service levels seem variable between staff and locations.I happened to see a presentation about Wickes at Technology in Marketing last week and they seem to be using data analysis to provide an all round service to customers - from those who want to do it themselves to those who want things fitted for them. They seem to be collating thir own data - from their websites and customer sales - with third party data on recent house/flat moves, etc.I've no recent personal experience of either store.Both sound different from the Wandsworth store which sounds a gem if one needs some advice or help from someone who is very experienced. 

Michael Ixer ● 395d

Yes Michael you are correct.I thought it may be worth mentioning their website as it appears they also have an online service.

Ed Robinson ● 395d

"... separate, independent ..."

Michael Ixer ● 395d

Ed, Wickes is no longer part of the Travis Perkins group. They were floated on the LSE in April 21 as a sep,independent corporate entity.

Michael Ixer ● 395d

"Compare and contrast shopping in Wickes !"They seemed to have out lasted Homebase & B&Q in Wandsworth.Does anyone remember Texas?Wickes are part of a larger group that includes Toolstation and other outlets, it was and may still be family owned. Although B&Q tried to market a more friendly knowledgeable workforce I'm not sure how serious that attempt was. Very difficult to scale up that level of knowledge/service.But good plug as I didn't know it was there but I do now. Thankyou.

Ed Robinson ● 395d

Sadly, small shops with this level of customer service, and staff with a high degree of knowledge and skills in what they're selling are almost extinct. 

Michael Ixer ● 396d

My husband does a lot of d.i.y.  Sometimes he can’t find exactly what he needs.  He wanted a particular screw thread but they didn’t seem to make it anymore, but Belton & Slade said they could cut one down to size as they have a small workshop.  He says they are so helpful and nothing is too much trouble. A few weeks ago, he said to me I’ll just go to Wandsworth to Belton & Slade and see if they have got what I’m looking for.  Of course, they had!  

Martine Guy ● 396d

Agreed, they really are good. I remember I was in there once and a young woman came in who'd locked her bike and then lost the key. I half expected them to go all male chauvinist at the 'little girl' but I was completely wrong, they couldn't have been more helpful. And their stock is phenomenal, you just ask for something and they'll bring it out.

Richard Carter ● 396d

Ah, but Wickes have a technical eco system to manage your customer journey by determining your mission and motivation from their data analysis :-)

Michael Ixer ● 396d

Absolutely - particularly if you are a DIYer.And the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.Compare and contrast shopping in Wickes !

John Hawkes ● 396d

Here’s a screenshot from their website.  You probably don’t notice their unassuming shop front when you drive through on the one way system.

Martine Guy ● 399d

What sort of shop is it?Nick

Nicholas Evans ● 399d