Retailers: We’re worried about our jobs, give us a warm feeling please

A few weeks ago, the current Mrs Ryan finally wore me down on yet another of agenda priorities. We started planning and procuring a replacement for the dark and dingy chip board panels that represent our kitchen.

As excited as I am about the prospect of having a nice new kitchen, like over half of full time employees in the UK, and an even higher percentage in financial services I would wager, I have concerns about my medium term job prospects. I have held back on all large purchases quite simply due to fear of redundancy.

So parting with my rainy day funds meant I needed a supplier that could assure me I was getting the best deal, could show me a durable product and above all would give me a warm feeling from their service.

So as soon as the credits began to roll on Saturday’s Glee rerun I reached for the phone to call the safest pair of hands of all, John Lewis Partnership. Sadly, there kitchen team were too busy to take my call, so the switchboard operator took my details and promised me a call that day. I am still waiting.

Next to Homebase, a large DIY retailer with a reputation for discounting. But they were too busy to even answer the phone, not once, but twice.

So to the market leader DIY retailer, B and Q, who according to the newspaper had a sale on. The guy answering the phone affirmed he could help us with our enquiry and there was no need for me to speak to a kitchen specialist. I thought we had hit gold. However, he wouldn’t arrange a site visit for measurements to be taken and a plan to be drawn up.

“Why would we do that when you haven’t been into the store to choose a style?” he quizzed.

“Why would I drive to your store to choose a style when you don’t even have my measurements?” I retorted.

“Well go online then.” He suggested. So I moved on.

And to Wickes. The builder’s pal and the first port of call for my seriously DIY capable family and friends. And what a surprise; the young lady that took the call new exactly what to do and what to ask. Within minutes she had booked and confirmed an appointment for a trained consultant to visit to measure up after the school run on Monday and a provisional visit the store to discuss the design.

John from our local store came to visit and over the past few weeks walked us through the precarious road f domestic compromise to select our new kitchen. But above all, he did what his competitors failed to do; give me a warm feeling.