After much anticipation, West Elm is in Vancouver. So how are they measuring up? Here’s our review.
Location
The location on South Granville Street, between 14th and 15th Avenues is not too bad. They do not offer free parking, but that’s standard for South Granville Street, and it is close to many other big name furniture stores, like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn.
Showroom and Service
The showroom is beautiful, immaculately put together, but a bit on the small side. Staff are helpful and available if you have a question.
They also offer free in-store consultations, where their designers work directly with clients on fancy Macs and cool dining table turned work station help to inspire and see projects and samples.
Availability of Products
This is the kicker. West Elm has a huge stock of items on their website, but much of it isn’t available in Canada, has been discontinued or they aren’t selling it at the moment. For example:
1) The Dunham Chair. Oh so pretty and perfectly proportioned, but not to be seen in Vancouver.
Image: www.westelm.com
2) Wood Slat Sectional. Very lovely. Perfect for smalls space Vancouver condo living, but nope, not available this time of year and they don’t know if they will be getting it again or not. Boo.
Image: www.westelm.com
3) Terra Bench. Nice dining table and bench and great price. Wouldn’t it be prefect for a narrow dining room? Nope, not available to ship to Canada.
Photo: www.westelm.com
Value
While there are some frustrations with actually getting the products, value for quality is good. (I’d give it an 7.5 out of ten for value.) A West Elm sofa may not last a lifetime without sagging cushions, but it is decent quality and clean designs for the price point.
Cool Extras
Partnering with Etsy Artists like Dahlhaus and offering these items in store. More information about West Elm Etsy partnerships can be found on the West Elm blog here.
Eco Cred
A quick search of “reclaimed” on the West Elm website produces numerous items made from FSC®-certified solid reclaimed pine, like the Emmerson dining table below.
What are your thoughts on Elm West?
Happy shopping!
Bonnie
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