Bull in the China Shop - Review of William Ashley Warehouse Moving Sale

Yesterday, Mrs. Shopaholic and I attended during the evening the 2014 William Ashley Warehouse Moving Sale and we were not pleased as compared to past sales. When we attended their annual Fall sale last October I previously favourably blogged about it.

William Ashley Sale Flyer - April 2014 (Front)

What made this sale flop for us was that we went in a with a list of items to shop for and we only walked out with a set of place mats.  The shelves were not bare; but certainly thin and the selection was far reduced.  It was the first day of the sale and we did attend at night.... so it could have been a matter of getting to the shelves when they are still stocked.  But, this was the first time we did not spend a couple of hundred dollars and we were prepared too.  In the past we tried to get to a sale early in the morning on a weekend and you had to show your AMEX. This time they did not ask; although how I found about the sale was from AMEX 'Front of the Line' emails.

What was lacking was selection in bathroom accessories, kitchen utensils, infant and children items, bbq season items, knives, party favours, and baking accessories as compared to past.  You could still add china, crystal, cutlery if you were looking for it, they had ample Christmas decorations, place mats and picture frames.  We also experienced a long line to leave the store, but they had ample cash registers open and the line did move quickly.  Also, I strongly suggest parking a few blocks away as you could see parking enforcement out and about.  If you don't mind the walk we always park in the residential area North of Lawrence past the Tim Horton's.

The take away is if you do attend they will give you a $15 gift card if you provide them with your email address at the cash register.  They also had no sales tax which was nice; accept we only spent $12 dollars.

The details are below... I say buyer beware and if you are looking for Kitchen/Bathroom items to just wait for a 'Bay Days' sale or stop at Macy's if you happen to be south of the border.  Here is the relevant details from their flyer.

William Ashley Sale Flyer - April 2014 (Back)

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  Did you have a better experience?  Please tell me below.

Mr. Shopaholic in a China Shop - Review of William Ashley Warehouse Sale (Toronto)

Last Sunday, October 20th, Ms. Shopaholic and I attended AMEX cardholders preview event at the William Ashley Factory Warehouse Sale. This was our 4th time attending this sale. Here is my review:

William Ashley Sale 2013:

William Ashley sale is a great opportunity to get several things for the kitchen and home on sale.  The warehouse is densely stocked with lots of great items and a wide variety of brands. Over the years we have had great success adding to our china pattern with serving dishes, kitchen accessories, and household items. If you are willing to line up outside a 1/2 hour and fight the crowds than this can make for a successful shopping trip.  It is just like shopping on Boxing Day.

The sale is a much different shopping experience than at WilliamAshley's downtown store at the Manulife Centre (Bloor and Bay.)  Downtown you get a tasteful shop that is neatly laid out, great lighting, and hands on salesperson with a clipboard writing down your purchases.  Your shopping is either hand delivered to your car or delivered by the store to your home.   Warehouse sale can be crowded, densely stocked shelves, you are given a 'office push cart' to put your purchases in (or a box to carry), and there are salespeople to help.  We actually found that other customers would freely talk with us about products they liked or disliked. Some of them gave some great advice. The checkout was also quick and they will wrap up your purchases to ensure your goods get home safe.

William Ashley Sale

For me it comes down to the savings.  I think we were able to save 10% on our China pattern as compared to William Ashley's downtown prices.  We had larger saving on place mats about 50%, kitchen accessories about 25%, cutting board 33%, and about 40% on a decorative item.  Would go into detail, but it is an upcoming birthday present for our favorite friend in Waterdown.  Overall, I think you could save between 10% and 50% on items. A good sale at the Bay could also be as fruitful, especially at the downtown location where they have the largest selection of household items.

William Ashley Sale

However, it's not all roses. The washrooms are outdoor port-o-potties, all sales are final (so inspect closely before buying),  and you may be walking around at a snail's pace through the center of the warehouse. Also, I would stick clear of marinades, spices, chocolate or other food stuffs. I'd looked at some items and none were past their expiry date, but I would be nervous of products coming from overseas and then spending time in a warehouse.  How fresh can it be?  Watching CBC's Marketplace has taught me to question prices when they are too good to be true. Timing is also key when you go shopping at the warehouse.  Weekdays are fine, but a Saturday or Sunday the place can be crowded and parking could be difficult.  You could also spend more than an hour in line (in a heated tent) on the weekend. I would suggest going before noon if you can.

In conclusion, if you need some things for the kitchen, housewares or decorative items, than this sale is well worth it.  Cranky ol' Mr. Shopaholic will gladly go again and guard Ms. Shopaholic's purchases.  

What they sell:

• China Place Settings and Serving Dishes
•  Crystal Glasses and Decorative Pieces
•  Small Kitchen Appliances
•  Knives, Cutlery, Everyday Dishes and Glasses
•  Pots, Pans, Cutting Boards and Kitchen Utensils
•  Christmas Decorations, Cards and Wrapping Paper
•  Bathroom Accessories, Shower Curtains and Soaps

Location and Details:

The warehouse is located on 62 Railside Rd, which is located South, off of Lawrence Ave East between the Don Valley Parkway and Victoria Park Ave.   You can get there via transit by taking the Lawrence Ave East Bus #54 from Eglinton Subway Station.

This is the link to their website:  http://www.williamashley.com/warehousesale/

William Ashley Sale - Details

Tips for Success:

• Go in the morning when shelves are restocked and before items are picked through.  Also, it is easier to find parking.
•  Have a list of ideas before you go and think about present ideas for Christmas, birthdays and other events.
•  If you already have china, cutlery or crystal pattern at home, write-down the brand and style name to help the salespeople find what you are looking for.  They have a computer system and can locate stock not on the warehouse floor.
• Parking costs $5 for onsite parking or you can try to find street parking on the East side of the street.  Many other local businesses are sensitive of where you park and parking enforcement officers can be seen trawling the area.
• Make sure you have a snack before you go in to keep up your energy.  You could easily spend more than 2 hours on your feet.  Outside there is a chip wagon where you can get street meat, sausage, fries or a cold drink.  We didn't try the wagon's food.  So, eat at your own risk.

Key Notes:

• All sales are final. Make sure you inspect your purchases closely before buying.
• Warehouse Sale is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
•  They do not allow strollers or car seats in the store.

Did you buy anything?  Any tips? Key details I'm missing?  Had no luck?  Please tell me in the comments below.