Shopping Guide: The Range, Bristol

The Range - Shopping Guide

The Range - Avon Meads: An Informed Shopper's Perspective

Why You Should Visit

  • A Vast Selection: The location offers a broad "range" of items. You'll find everything from home goods and outdoor equipment to pet supplies and food. This includes scrapbooking and handmade card supplies. The store is known for selling "a lot" of items.
  • Well-Organized and Accessible: Shoppers can expect a clean and well-organized store, making it easier to locate specific items. The location is very accessible and has been around for years.
  • Competitive Prices and Deals: The store is praised for having reasonable prices and frequently offering good deals and bargains. For instance, you might find gravel at £5.99 per bag or a 3-for-£15 promotion.
  • Friendly and Helpful Staff (Generally): Most staff members are described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, contributing to a positive shopping experience. Interactions can be positive, and staff may go the extra mile, like checking stock for you or helping carry your purchases to your car. For example, Alan in the gardening department was extremely helpful with window blinds.
  • Convenient Location and Amenities: You'll benefit from ample parking and a convenient location.
  • Specialty Departments: The store has a well-stocked paint department where service is usually swift.
  • Excellent for Specific Needs: If you're looking for scrapbooking supplies, this is a great go-to.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

  • Inconsistent Customer Service: While some staff are praised, some reviews indicate that staff can be "hit or miss". You may encounter staff unhelpful when they cannot find the item you are looking for.
  • Inventory Issues: Be aware that items showing in stock online may not be available when you visit the store. Also, there could be issues with product quality; for example, bags of gravel might be unsealed and partially empty.
  • Pricing Discrepancies and Promotion Issues: You may encounter situations where promotions are not honored, or prices are manipulated. For example, the "3 for £15" deal might not be applied properly or discounts might not be as advertised.
  • Online Order and Customer Service Problems: The reviews mention issues with online orders, including incorrect orders, cancellation difficulties (lack of a contact number), and delayed resolution. You might experience difficulty getting a refund or resolving problems, and customer care may be lacking.
  • Store Condition: The store could be in better condition; the appearance of the store itself could use a facelift. One review noted the need for a spring cleaning, indicating cleanliness could be improved.
  • Potential for Unsatisfactory Products: One review suggests that certain areas might be less than ideal (e.g. food section), mentioning a lack of cleanliness.