I agree that it must be hit or miss. I wandered in to a C&E for the first time this last weekend. I asked the worker if they had any mens shaving stuff and I was lead quickly right to the shaving area. 3 brushes out (travel, best & super). They had all of the shaving creams and soaps as well. I didn't have any cash with me so I didn't purchase, but the shaving things weren't hidden away and the employee knew the basics.
This was similar to my experience just yesterday. I walked in, with my two year-old daughter asleep on my shoulder (this might have had something to do with it
). I asked about shaving gear, and one of the two women there walked me over to the display, where everything that was supposed to be there was. I asked about the BBB, and she pointed it out, sitting right there in it's hanger. I told her I'd like to buy one, and she disappeared into the back and came back a few seconds later with the little blue box. She then suggested some add-on products (ASB, Cream, etc). I couldn't resist the Sienna soap, so it went with me. I asked about the Super brush, and she didn't know, but the other woman, who was the manager, knew exactly what I was talking about, and found one for me to compare (to the display unit). I decided to go for the BBB, and was rung up. For some reason, I decided to take one last look at the brush in the parking lot, and discovered that the brush I got was actually the Pure travel brush. So I walked back into the mall, and made a completely hassle-free return, and went on my way.I really can't fault someone who works in, as Joel pointed out, a store who's customers are 90% women, for being a little behind the curve on men's shaving stuff. They did make a mistake, but made it right with no trouble. To be honest, I can easily see accidentally grabbing the wrong little blue box with a $35.00 price sticker on it.
I really can't complain. Now, don't get me started on Bath and Body Works
!I have also not been terribly impressed with cutlery shops in malls I have visited. Sure, it's nice to know where you can score a box of Merkur blades if you're on the road, but the level of cluelessness there really blows me away. I have yet to come across any employee at one of those places that has the first clue about straight razors, beyond the prices on the tags. And in case you were wondering, Col. Conk is in fact the undisputed best shaving soap ever made, just ask one of the salespeople!
As with all things shave-related, YMMV.
-Michael
I've had nothing but positive experiences at the C&E shop at my local mall. The sales staff seems excited to see a male customer for a change, and they've always shown interest in, and knowledge of, the shaving products. I guess it's just a matter of luck with that kind of business, that number of shops.
I should clarify that while they didn't know a lot about the brushes, they were very nice in the Beachwood, Ohio store. I left with the brush and samples of some creams, balm and facial scrub. Very nice people, all they need is a little more training on their shaving products.
Steve
Steve
I have never been impressed with C&E stores. I've tried shopping there three times - two times more than they deserved. I didn't get any service to speak of. So I'm through with 'em.
I came across a tub of their almond shave cream at TJ Maxx and bought that. It's not bad stuff, but it would be overpriced if you bought it at one of their shops. Luckily there are tons of better creams out there.
Mike
I came across a tub of their almond shave cream at TJ Maxx and bought that. It's not bad stuff, but it would be overpriced if you bought it at one of their shops. Luckily there are tons of better creams out there.
Mike
Interesting experiences. I guess we are lucky that our local (35 miles away) C&E is staffed with an experienced staff of customer oriented sales people. We even have a "MALE" employee! 
I find that their products are neither inexpensive nor over-priced. I really like the glass shaving cream jars and the tubes with keys. THese items are at the top end of the packaging spectrum. Given the price of gas, I only wish the C&E was nearer.
I find that their products are neither inexpensive nor over-priced. I really like the glass shaving cream jars and the tubes with keys. THese items are at the top end of the packaging spectrum. Given the price of gas, I only wish the C&E was nearer.
I find the C&E employees at the local store are very nice and always willing to learn. 
My local C&E doesn't carry the BBB (which is fine) and said they wouldn't even order it for me (which I didn't think was so fine).
I know I could have ordered it online but I had some gift cards that didn't work for online purchases.
Oh well - I'm sure the BBB would have had a hard time measuring up to my SR's anyway
I know I could have ordered it online but I had some gift cards that didn't work for online purchases.
Oh well - I'm sure the BBB would have had a hard time measuring up to my SR's anyway
If there is a C.O.Bigelow in your area, you could give that shop a try. I went to one in Columbus, OH and the salesman went out of his way to assist me. They have Geo F. Trumper brushes, and some of their own brands...Vulfix, I think, but not sure. They also have a good supply of razors, aftershaves, soaps, creams, etc. They might cost more than some other places, but I'd say they would be on par with Crabtree & Evelyn in price.
Seems to me that C&E is more of a glorified Bath & Body Works.
Seems to me that C&E is more of a glorified Bath & Body Works.
- Thread starter
- #31
V
VR6ofpain
You can find Vulfix and Colonel Conk products at most "cutlery" stores in malls. They all seem to have a shaving section.
There's a Crabtree and Evelyn at the outlet mall in Mercedes, Texas. There doesn't seem to be anything "outlet" about the store itself as everything is full retail price.... Anywho, the sales girl was very nice but told me that she thinks the almond oil shave cream is being discontinued. Her reasoning is valid as she said the whole almond oil line went on super discount a few weeks before and sold out. I missed it! Does anyone know the fate of the almond oil line?
- Thread starter
- #33
V
VR6ofpain
Well I went to a C&E in Santa Rosa after calling and the girl confirming they had the $35 Best Badger brush. I even gave her the "Item #" from the web site. So we drive 40 minutes to the mall, and guess what, they only have a $12 wood boar brush. She then tells me that she said that was the only one they had on the phone. I told her that was rubbish and walked out. **** C&E, I will never give them any business.
Luckily there was a cutlery store right across the way in the mall that had a large variety of Col Conk/Vulfix brushes. I ended up picking up a nice and hefty handled Col Conk brush which was much stiffer than the other ones I have felt (didn't seem floppy). I also got to "stroke" a nice Super Badger brush they had. I'll have to get one as some point. I also got to look at and play with a Progress and Vision first hand for the first time. I was very impressed with the Progress. I will now have to pick one up (I would have bought it there, but it was totally overpriced at $54). So ya now I need a Merkur Progress! The RAD is back!!!
EDIT:
I found the brush I bought, looks like the price I paid was more than fair. I also think that the $54 wasn't too far out of range for that progress, looks like sites have all raised their price on it (I saw it on sale for $39.99 at one site a month or so ago).
+1 on this point.
I bought my first soap from C&E here in Hornsby, and asked to look at the brushes. The assistant was very knowledgable on the subject, and we had quite a discussion on brushes and soap vs cream.
I was very impressed, particularly as nobody else in any shop / department store I went into had much of an idea.
BTW: VR6 I notice that your next post will be number 666 
I ordered my C&E BBB online - it took about 3 days to reach me. Maybe a suitable alternative if you can't find one at the store....
When I had my not-so-great C&E experience, it was indeed the corporate office that caused all the problems. The local shopowner (not a C&E shop, but one that sells a lot of their products) went out of her way to make sure I got the right brush. I stood there while she called C&E and placed her order. I heard her give the correct item # and confirm that it was in stock. C&E still sent the wrong brush and then wouldn't let her send it back to exchange it. They may have some good products, but it's really looking like they don't have a clue when it comes to customer service, and that goes all the way to the top.
My one experience of C&E in store was a good one. Maybe it was because they weren't busy, but the sales lady offered to make me samples of all their creams and their matching ASB's, which was great, I thought.
I browsed through the Crabtree and Evelyn store in Corte Madera, CA yesterday, and had a very nice expererience. The lady who attended me, while not a men's shaving specialist, was very attentive. She offered me samples of creams and ASB's, and showed me their brushes.
I returned today and asked for a Best Badger brush like the one on display. They located a nice new brush from their storage area, and the purchase was completed. Off I went, a very happy customer.
Chuck
I returned today and asked for a Best Badger brush like the one on display. They located a nice new brush from their storage area, and the purchase was completed. Off I went, a very happy customer.
Chuck
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