The Williams Sonoma Experience
For the last few years I have been green with envy. Envious of the United States who seem to get all the AMAZING stores! Finally Williams Sonoma has opened shop HERE IN AUSTRALIA!
So Why Australia?
Their first stores outside of the United States are right here Down Under. It was’t just our incessant begging that got them here. Outside of USA, Australia has the biggest e-commerce purchases of Williams Sonoma products! I know I have contributed to that number over the year!
Where in Australia?
Williams Sonoma encompasses four stores, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm. All fours stores have opened at Bondi Junction, Sydney. This homewares hub is at the top of Oxford St Mall right opposite Westfield Bondi Junction. Word on the street is that A Melbourne and possibly a Brisbane store will be on the agenda eventually. For now you can ORDER ONLINE and have them ship ANYWHERE IN AUSTRALIA!
The Stores
We started at Williams Sonoma.
These store fronts are divine. Think Marble with these gorgeous deep navy steel doors. There was a collective sigh as we entered and the store literally smelt as good as it looked.
The merchandising in these stores are second to none. Each display is so thoughtfully and beuatifully presented.
Creative Director Anna Last talked us through the Williams Sonoma Brand and products. Anna used to work for MARTH STEWART LIVING so she know what she is talking about. Meanwhile I was coveting that gorgeous silver urn and glass hanging lanterns!
This is what you call sensory overload and we have only just stepped through the door.
This is a juicing station. Want to buy a new juicer? This juice station is complete with fridge for you to whip up your own juice or smoothie. What better way to find out if the product is right for you. The stores equipment stations “are designed to encourage interaction with customers” they even had a coffee bar so that you could sample their coffee range.
So I am already hyperventilenting by now and here is what you find at the back of the store. A COOKING SCHOOL. The FIRST EVER Williams Sonoma Cooking School. Take that States. We finally beat you to it!
You know how much I love me a white kitchen and this one was remarkable! Marble bench tops, copper pots, white talls, sky high glass windows and of course a CHEF! The Williams Sonoma cooking store offers a variety of 12 person cooking classes that are even suitable for beginners. Vlad the chef is there to inspire and to teach you how to use the latest equipment. You can book a cooking class by calling +612 8973 5800. They are also hoping to run cheese making and bread baking classes.
I am kicking myself I didnt buy some of this napery! I know that The House that A_M built bought some and fingers crossed she posts some pics of her purchases.
The back of the store has some amazing windows overlooking the streets of Bondi and Westfields. I loved the colours of this dinnerware.
I wish I could have bought this tray and a large plate but they were just too heavy for my suitcase!
There are too many phenomenal things to mention about these stores but let me just say this. Williams Sonoma has set a new bar for Australian Retail. a very high bar. With store fitting fit for a luxury home, personalised service, gift registry’s and a hands on approach to meeting customers needs, Williams Sonoma is not just a place to shop. It is place to meet, eat, drink, try and learn.
I think they might teach a few retailers a thing or too as well.
P.S Want to get a better look inside? Here is a Video Clip from A Current Affair! If you look closely you can see me waiting to go in, but blink and you’ll miss it!