Dunelm Derby Review by BizzyB…, 2008-11-19T00:00:00
Dunelms is usually called Funelms in our house. A huge shop of all things homeware it is a place to go and just run riot. It isn't all plusses though But let's start with the positives. The choice is HUGE. For soft furnishings, bedding, curtains, towels, ornaments, rugs, cooking utensils, lightening, picturesand the winning thing is the price. Dunelm is packed with bargins this means it is a great stop off if you are moving to your first home, staging a house or a student who needs bits and bobs. As it has such a big turnover you will find many of the furnishing designs are in vogue at the moment so if you like to chop and change your decor with the fashion trends this is a good place to consider. However, the turnover can be so fast for very fashionable designs they may be there one week and gone the next. This is great as it means everytime you visit there's something new but on the other hand if you go away to deliberate on a purchase you may return to find it's gone. Aside from the fashionable trends there's a good stock of 'basics' - plain furnishings, basic crockery etc. At the furthest end of the store is a haven if you are a seamstress or diy furniture upholsterer - the material section. They have a vast choice of materials for all furnishing needs as well as a good remenants section. In this part I have always found the staff very helpful sadly this doesn't always translate across the store. One problem with Dunelms is the sheer size and subsequent mess. The mess is down to two things, customers getting things out and just stuffing them back and the staff always seem to have half unpacked boxes everywhere. It can make it daunting if you are not in 'treasure hunt' mood. Nowhere is this more obvious than the sale section which is just a big dumping ground. As well as you own home needs there are often good gift sets and gifts to be found, especially in the run up to Christmas when they also have a choice of decorations and tableware. Again with Christmas stock it can depend on the luck of the draw as to which day you shop. In summer they carry a good range of cheap picnic and outdoor wares. As I mentioned before the staff can sometimes let the store down. Some floor staff aren't very helpful and the worst I a came across was customer services when I needed to return an item - she was downright rude! So if you are looking for some home bargains Dunelms is a good bet but it isn't a relaxing shop.