William Ashley China

²⁄₅ because of the follow up with how they deal with you after you’ve already paid. I purchased a decanter, 4 glasses, and a tray with and for my boyfriend. The customer service following up to the sale was satisfactory. We were told we had to come back for the other two glasses for they were not in stock, which is not a problem. Upon unboxing these items, we discovered the tray had a missing nub so it was lopsided. I wasn’t too upset about making that second trip, because we had to pick up the second pair of glasses anyways. Unboxing these glasses at home, we realized they gave us the wrong glasses and we now had two different sets. I called immediately next morning and explained to them the situation, I just wanted to make sure that when I came back a third time they had the correct glasses in store. After a lengthy wait, and being forwarded twice– the lady on the phone said «if you come in you can take a look and exchange.» Which I tried to explain to her they didn’t have the ones I wanted in stock last time so I’m calling to make sure they do. She rudely responded «well somebody is checking right now which means we do– so you can come in and exchange.» Going back and forth this entire time she didn’t even know which glass I wanted so I said again «okay. I will come in please make sure you have the old fashion cups.» Which she responds «you mean glasses. And they’re called the whisky old fashion» … Inefficient, no customer service, rude, and condescending.

Normally I am not a picky person and I don’t complain a lot — probably that explained why this is my first review on Unilocal.Just feel I need to say something about William Ashley.
I bought 4 sets of 5-​piece dinnerware during weekend but only after I paid I was notified they did not have the stuffs I just paid — I got two choices, either come back on Tuesday (the lady who helped very kindly notified me that they would not be ready on Monday) or get the dinnerware shipped, with a surcharge. I was OK with this because the sales assistant lady was very sweet and helpful, after I stood in shop for over 10 minutes looking for someone to help me while everyone’s so busy.
So I went on Tuesday, waited in store for a few minutes and was told my order was not ready, «in transit», quoted. Again I got two choices — either come back on Wednesday or get the dinnerware shipped with a surcharge. I didn’t complain. And because the lady helped me on Tuesday again was very sweet I even bought a teapot…
Today I went back and finally got my stuff. I brought my suitcase with me since I felt it might be too heavy for me to carry all the sets back home. I kindly asked a lady if I may had a chance to hand my suitcase to the package department or whoever helps with packaging so they can put most, if not everything, in my suitcase, but was responded pretty cold: «no they’re already packed for you». OK — so I waited 15 more minutes for my package and I got a ‘nicely’ packed PAPER box with 20 pieces dinnerware in it. I couldn’t get that box into my suitcase so I had to carry it by hand, which is still OK and still I didn’t complain. Btw during the whole process while I was struggling to figure out a way to get that box in my suitcase (and finally gave up by taking my suitcase in one hand with the heavy box in the other hand), the lady was standing right in front of me, looked at me without even bothering asked «do you need a help».
STILL I did not complain AND I was OK.
Now here comes the thing made me mad: after 5 minutes of walk, the handle of that heavy paper box could no longer bear the weight and you probably know what happened — I will post a picture later so you can see.
Well I understand they want to go green by giving customers less paper and I support that, but seriously, by putting 20 pieces of dinnerware into a single box?! I’m not sure if their go-​green strategy goes well but I’m pretty sure I kind of go-​nuts… a little.
Now I’m not OK. AND I wanted to complain.
Anyway, 1 star for the products (yes they carry good quality stuffs!, another star for the ladies who helped me for my first two visits, oh and the girl at front door — she was very sweet with nice smell. Everything else was just MEH.

While I rarely go into this store simply because most of what they have is not my taste and the store has a cluttered feel that I just don’t feel comfortable in. I do always enjoy looking at the great wall of China they have on display. It has been their since I moved here at age 15. I do shop from time to time in the candy section. I like the truffles and the little animal gift boxes they have. I sent one to Eddie in Hong Kong, he loved it.

My exposure to this housewares store was early when I moved up North.
While setting up my place for kitchen items someone recommended this store. Unfortunately it was their other location which was quite small (might have changed now) and thus not impressive.
This location is a whole another story as it almost covers half a floor of this building. There are items for collectors of Alessi/​Stellson etc. which have a modern take on items and then they have the classics from RD, Waterford etc. and everything in between (Mikasa)
The layout gets a bit getting used to as I still haven’t figured it out completely. The service is immaculate here as I don’t think their clientele would have it another way. The sales personal here are patient and knowledgeable and take their time listening to you (a dying art IMO).
Give this place enough time and you will find something for even the most impossible to shop for person.
4 Stars all the way.

I needed to pick up some wine glasses and a decanter before a dinner party last week. So I dropped by here, seeing as it is within a stone’s throw of our place.
I had never been to Ashley’s before and had no idea how pricey it was going to be — WHOOPS. I definitely got some looks from the Middle Aged lady patrons carrying around Coach purses. My teenage face, tattooed legs and beat up shorts. But the sales lady didn’t even bat an eye and gave me exceptional service. Six stars for service.
She showed me a selection of glasses in my price range and some decanters that were on sale. I even got a great lesson in distinguishing between glasses for different wines and how to best care for my purchases. Not once did I detect condescension in her tone. She tread the line perfectly between explaining as one does to a daughter (she was around my mum’s age) and the service one provides to a patron.
The only detracting factor — The amount of time it takes for them to bring your purchases up to the main floor. Maybe it was because my dessert was baking in the oven (only twenty minutes till the timer was up!) but it felt like an eternity between choosing the glasses and having them come up to the check-​out desk.
Bonus points for taking my email address and not spamming me once so far!

I’m not a bride, but I come here often to shop for EVERYTHING for the home.
Their prices are by far, the most reasonable and lowest for high-​end culinary stuff, from any place I’ve found.
Other stores like Nella Cucina may sell more chef-​y type industrial things, and Williams-​Sonoma may have cuter things and more decoration, but even though this place is for brides, it rivals them in price.
Case in point: Pan set for $ 1500 at W-​Sonoma, only cost $ 1050 at W-​Ashley. PLUS a 10% off!
This goes for almost everything — wine glasses (Riedel), plates, picture frames, if you can find it in other cooking stores (higher-​end stuff), you can probably find it here for cheaper.
It’s a bit of a mess to look around, but it really has a good range of nice things for a decent price.

Despite major initial frustrations in dealing with William Ashley, I have had to come back and edit this review, improving my rating from one star to three, after having spoken with Kathleen at the Bay and Bloor store. She was extremely helpful and kind, answering all of my questions, and providing me with solutions to my problems.
Tips and information:
1) Gifts purchased off of your registry can all be returned for credit at the store (but this can only be used in their store), and they’ll do their best to take presents given with no receipt.
2) Gift cards can be used at the store, but also at the Ashley Warehouse sale held each November — if you haven’t been to this, go! Great deals, and if you can’t spend the money on yourself, you’ll find loads of gifts for Christmas, birthdays, christenings, and other people’s weddings.
3) They offer free delivery of your registry items, meaning that all remains insured until it arrives at your door, so no worries about broken china or glass.
N.B. I recommend amazon.com’s universal registry — you can add absolutely anything you want to it, from whatever store you prefer, and of course, being Amazon, it’s wonderfully easy to use. You can find many of the items that William Ashley’s has to offer on
and
, for a lower price.

5 BIG stars for this one.
As a bride looking to register for dishes, this place is an oasis compared to The Bay, Sears, or whatever other big box department store people typically register at.
Questions about your dishes? You get knowledgeable answers.
Need someone with good advice to help you choose? The sales staff have great taste.
Want some better prices? Believe it or not, but this beats The Bay.
The only down side is they’re only in the GTA so out of town guests will have to order from your online registry (they can also put a set amount towards a gift rather than buy someone outright).
They offer free delivery.
If come your wedding you realize you hate the dishes you chose, you can return them all and exchange them for dishes you like more. The Bay holds you to a one month from the date the gift was purchased return policy which, if you think about it, is pretty useless for wedding gifts.
I highly recommend skipping The Bay or any of those other big box department stores if you have the choice and coming here.
See for yourself. I’m 100% sold on William Ashley.

I was in William Ashley’s today, and the staff were amazing. I was helped right away, and as I waited for my order to be retrieved from the back room EVERY staff member who walked past me asked if I had been helped and if they could assist me with anything further. The staff member who took my order waited at the desk with me until my item arrived, and put a huge effort in making comfortable conversation. She managed her customers with respect and professionalism.
The only reason I’m not giving this store five stars is that it took them a long time to fill my order.
The store experience is super, and there are so many lovely items to check out!

We registered at William Ashley for our wedding and found the service to be pleasant. Our registry consultant took us by the hand and made sense of room upon room of china, crystal, flatware and housewares. We had no trouble exchanging anything and the post-​wedding delivery happened without any broken dishes in the process. Two years later, replacing the broken dishes from my clumsiness is another expensive story altogether. Oops.

The store is a little hit or miss, but I gave it a high score based on the service I ultimately got.
My fiancé and I were looking for wedding china. We hadn’t really planned to register, but my dad wanted to buy us china for a wedding present, and we realised that Daddy Knows Best. Anyway, we went to William Ashley and looked… and looked… and looked. And most of what we saw, we didn’t really like. For some reason, there are a lot of patterns out there that would fit in more at an estate sale than on a modern dining table. We looked so much we eventually got confused, and had no idea anymore *what* we liked.
We got assistance from two of the women working there, but aside from showing us the dishes, they really weren’t much help. Whenever we asked them what they thought of this choice or another, we tended to get an «Oh, that would be nice too.» I’m sure we must have been frustrating too, but we had no idea what we were looking for at all, and seeking any kind of advice.
Then along came Vania. Ah, Vania. If Daria Morgendorffer were to get a job in a china store, she would be Vania. We explained the situation to her, and when I pointed to a fuddy-​duddy setting I thought I might like, she immediately said, «I don’t really see that for you. Maybe if you were thirty years older, I would recommend it.» She explained the difference between what was available in porcelain and in bone china, what kinds of plates we might mix a setting with, and basically helped us find a setting that suited our lifestyle and that we were both really, really excited by. And to dad’s delight, she shared his disdain for the bread and butter plate. Frankly, I found myself wishing I smoked so I could go out for a cigarette with her.
After thinking it over for a few days, we went back to William Ashley and bought the set outright. We had to wait a bit because she was on lunch break, and we didn’t want someone else to get the commission, if there is one. Not only did she remember us, but she helped us save some money by having the plates shipped from the US plant, so as to avoid toll fees. And she told me how to examine each dish when it arrived, so as to make sure it’s in perfect condition.
Anyway, the service we had at the beginning was spotty, but Vania, she of the infinite patience, helpfulness, and wry humour, made it work in the end. It’s also worth mentioning that I’ve compared the price from William Ashley with prices in the US, and the deal we got was really, really good. (It was during the after-​Christmas sale.) So it was a happy experience from all perspectives, though it began in confusion.

I pretty much grew up on William Ashley china/​crystal/​gifts because of my mom (yeah, I said it). So now that I am getting married, the first place I thought to register was here.
My first appointment was horrible! I couldn’t believe the service I was getting and the sales associate knew I was setting up a registry! She made me feel like I was holding her back from the exciting part of her job of keeping post at the front of the store. I left frustrated and walked out without setting anything up.
It was only because of my mom’s experience in the past was she able to convince me to call the store and speak to a manager about my frustration. I did so, and the manager was very upset by my complaint. She apologized a number of times and guaranteed that if I came back, I wouldn’t be treated the same way as the first time.
So I went back and thankfully wasn’t disappointed again. The new sales rep I had was EXTREMELY patient and helpful — believe me, choosing matching china, flatware, crystal, etc isn’t as easy as it sounds!
BTW — if you register there, you get free parking every time you visit until sometime after your wedding (can’t remember what the time period is).
In a nutshell, William Ashley is in my good books again!

While I approach 14 minutes on hold with this store, I thought it would be a good time to review it.
I called and got someone quickly, but after describing the gift I was after, she disconnected me. I called back, and the hold began. Now, this isn’t just any hold… it’s a supremely annoying hold. The kind that thanks you for your patience every 10 seconds, and assures you that they care about your business and that someone is rushing to take your mon… I mean to be at your service.
Anyway, while I was typing this, someone answered and was able to help me without hanging up on me. The transaction went smoothly.
I agree with the comments of other Unilocalers… the store is disorganized, and you’ll be lucky to be served if you’re not a regular. In fairness, they are pretty busy on Saturdays… I would avoid that if I were you.

I only come here to get gifts for a wedding or shower.
I get the crystal goblets/​flutes/​wine glasses. They usually have some good sales, and you can get a set of 4 for $ 100 to 200. It’s much more impressive than getting cash.
I like the service, once you get someone’s attention. It seems like they will only talk to you if they think you will buy something. I usually have a hard time getting things. It’s a nice feeling also walking out with the signature gold box.
However, everything else is quite expensive, and I have to agree that the layout is terrible and I always get lost. I can’t speak for the china, but they are exquisite. I think if you look hard enough, you can get something very nice.
Then again, with the advent of William and Sonoma, Crate and Barrell, Pottery Barn, I’d personally rather spend my money on everyday wares then special occasion wares.

WORST Store layout ever. You can’t see anything for all the clutter. Aren’t they supposed to be catering to the wealthy Yorkvillains? Wouldn’t elegant and understated be a better way to sell their products.
Most of what I saw was tacky or unbearably gaudy. I wouldn’t decorate my house with 90% of this shit.
The service was atrocious! My Dad went in to get a couple of Reidel wine glass cloths. It took them over an hour to get his order from whatever storage hole they keep their stock in.
I think the worst part was being stuck there for a hour looking at all the terrible stuff they have.
I won’t darken their doors again.

I’ve always been a William Ashley gawker. Not really being in dire need of any of their offerings, I’d only been in once in all the time I’ve lived in Toronto. Passing by today, however, I popped in for the simple reason of needing some new wine glasses and, lo and behold, what to my wondering eyes did appear but a 40% off Boxing Day sale sign!
William Ashley must have every single china/​crystal/​flatware pattern ever known to man. Their selection is top notch. Their «gourmet shoppe», where they sell kitchen essentials (i.e. Emile Henry, Good Grips, kitchen timers, storage, etc.), is excellent. I would venture to say that they have a gift for any person on any list you may have, including sterling silver frames, baby gifts, stationery/​paper goods, and even a Teuscher shop in the event you are about to pass out from waiting and need a dose of chocolate.
Speaking of passing out, my only complaint about William Ashley is the wait. I stood in line twice: firstly, to check out with items I had in hand where I waited more than ten minutes, and secondly, to buy some wine glasses. I waited more than 25 minutes for someone to help me and another 20 minutes for the wine glasses to be brought up. It seems to me that their processes could be improved from their «let me check and see if that’s in stock on another computer» process to their «bill print» process (which seems unnecessarily lengthy and laborious), it all just seems to take a really. long. time. Granted, a working 30-​something, downtown-​dwelling professional is probably not their target audience (think «ladies who lunch and live in Rosedale»), but still! Once I finally snagged a salesperson, I must say that they were overly kind and helpful… just slooow.
The store is a bit confusing to navigate, as it is ginormous, but their prices seem to be very good. I received an Emile Henry salt pig for Christmas that was $ 50 at Williams-​Sonoma and only $ 38 at William Ashley, including a 15% off sale. US prices, ftw! Most importantly, I snagged eight Riedel wine glasses at 40% off and you can’t beat that with a stick.
Overall, William Ashley should be on your list of places to browse and definitely to buy when you need that nice wedding/​birthday/​baby shower gift you just can’t get at the mall.