As a South Wales local, Leekes has been my go-to home goods store for over 20 years. I‘ve relied on them time and again to furnish every room in my house. Like most folks here, it‘s more than just a shop – Leekes is an institution.
That history and standing in the community gives them certain advantages, but it has also caused some areas to be less competitive with today‘s omnichannel retail giants.
In this hands-on Leekes review, I‘ll give you the full insider perspective on their products, in-store and web experience, delivery, and more as both an enthusiastic and constructively critical customer.
Overview of Leekes
Leekes is a over 100 year old department store chain located in South Wales, UK. They operate 6 stores, primarily selling furniture, home appliances, decor and more. Some key facts:
- Founded in 1900 by James Henry Leeke in Cardiff, still family owned
- £150 million in annual sales
- Over 1000 employees currently
- Recognition as 2018 & 2019 Furniture Retailer of the Year
- Authorized dealer for brands like Tempur, Denby, Sealy
- 6 locations focused in South Wales region
So Leekes is an independent retail brand that‘s reached regional scale. They have chosen to stay focused rather than expand nationally. Most shopping still happens in-store.
Leekes In-Store Shopping Experience
The foundation of Leekes is the their physical showrooms – expansive spaces styled like model homes to showcase available inventory in context.
As a long time customer, I‘ve visited every location and have seen first-hand why most reviews shine brightest on their stores:
Knowledgeable Staff – Leekes dedicates specialists for most departments. For example, their furniture teams not only know products inside and out but provide complimentary interior design services. Getting guidance tailored to your needs goes a long way.
Strong Local Reputation – 6 hometown stores has allowed Leekes to nurture generational loyalty and local trust. Supporting community causes also earns goodwill. This gives them real advantages over external competitors.
Premium Brand Access – With Leekes partnership, South Walians can access luxury brands like Tempurpedic mattresses locally instead of big city trips. Generous product testing policies aid selection.
Flexible Payment – In-store advisors work with you transparently to find financing plans that fit your budget. From payment cards to longer term 0% interest plans, you‘ve got options.
However, there are some drawbacks to Leekes insular approach I‘ve experienced firsthand over the decades:
- Stock can be limited for niche items or sizes, especially during sales
- Online inventory accuracy and visibility lags physical stores
- New employees take time to get to tenured staff skill level
But for a personalized shopping experience, Leekes remains a standout. Their cohesive brand vision carried across store design, product range, and customer service make them a reliable brand.
Leekes eCommerce Experience
As consumers shifted online over the past 15 years, Leekes made efforts to keep pace:
- Website – Launched in 2006, continuously updated, now on par with smaller competitors
- Omnichannel Options – Some digital conveniences now offered including buy online, pickup in-store
- Seamless Site Navigation – Ease of browsing by room mirrors physical stores
- Generous Imagery – Confidently purchase large items unseen via detailed product descriptions and plentiful photographic galleries
However, Leekes website remains a companion rather than alternative to in-person. Why?
For starters, online stock lags stores. Chosen items may be out at your local branch. Delivery for large goods purchased digitally can also take weeks. Leekes struggles matching the shipping speed and precision younger national brands offer.
So I suggest the website as a helpful initial scouting tool, but recommend seeing and testing out options in person for the full experience. Think of digital as an back up only if unable to visit stores.
Leekes Product Range & Brands
Leekes strives to offer fashionable selection suitable for every style and budget. As one of the largest shops by volume, they carry tons of options across:
| Category | Description | Brand Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Sofas, beds, dining sets outdoor furniture, upholstery | Marks & Spencer, Celebrity, Silent Night, Parker Knoll |
| Flooring | Carpets, rugs, laminate, vinyl, wood flooring | Karndean, Amtico, Victoria Carpets |
| Home Decor | Curtains, blinds, lighting, accessories, art & mirrors | Hillarys, Capital Lighting, Endon Lighting |
| Appliances | Refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, cooking | Beko, Bosch, Zanussi, Samsung |
I particularly appreciate the furniture range – you can find starter sofas from £299 ranging to lux options over £2,999. Having deep choice lets you furnish on a budget or splash out for milestones like a new home.
The core downside is uneven stock levels. You may struggle getting specific pieces outside major ranges, especially niche sizing. Sticking with their rotation of promos is key to best value.
Leekes Delivery Process
Leekes provides full end-to-end delivery and installation with most orders over £50. Fees typically cost £20-65 depending on products/services needed. I‘ve tried their teams multiple times over 20 years:
The Good
- Friendly 2-man teams provide white glove delivery
- Meticulous work protecting existing spaces as they bring items in
- Assembly experts making sure everything is sturdy
- Carefully walk you through any operating questions
The Bad
- Lead times can stretch to 6+ weeks
- Scheduled appointment windows hit or miss
- Rushed service on some simpler drop-offs
I‘ve had a 80/20 experience history with 8 in 10 deliveries being flawless, and 2 needing extra calls to rectify issues like damages. Your mileage may vary.
Is Leekes Worth It? My Recommendations
Given its stature anchoring the South Wales community for over a century, Leekes holds an esteemed position that delivers advantages traditional retailers struggle reproducing today.
I confidently recommend Leekes for:
- Locals wanting to easily experience premium brands
- Customers valuing personalized guidance over convenience
- Anyone needing flexible financing options
- Families looking to furnish an entire house
- Supporters who want stores reinvesting in the local area
However, some modern shoppers may find drawbacks like inventory accuracy, shipping times, and omnichannel reach hinder Leekes from fulfilling all their needs conveniently.
If out of area or wanting cutting edge digital retail capabilities, alternatives like John Lewis or Made may better suit. Still, I suggest South Walians visit Leekes stores first before looking externally.
So in summary – Leekes legacy earns them regional loyalty despite lacking some nationwide competitive edges. I‘m proud to have them representing the local business community and happily recommend them to friends and family near any of their 6 trusted stores.
