Bed Bath and Beyond's Wedding Registry Sooo Much Better Than Target's "Club Wedd"

In case the FTC is reading this post, I am not being paid to write this. :~)

I admit I drank the Target Koolaid. Since deciding to boycott Wal-mart more than five years ago because of their labor practices, workplace discrimination and pricing strategy, Target seemed like a palatable alternative. Since then, several of my readers have pointed out that Target has been accused of some of the same things as Wal-Mart. So my eyes have been opened.

This post is simply about the superiority of service and product selection of another of Target's competitors in the home goods arena.

For some reason, I have been slow to recognize Bed Bath and Beyond as a category leader. The only reason I even ventured there in the first place was to buy gifts for friends who had registered for weddings there. This weekend, I chose a couple of things from my cousin Melisa's registry. I was impressed by the vast selection and attentive service I received.

As I left the customer service counter with Melisa's registry in hand, I was approached twice by observant sales people who must have noticed that I was searching for gift. I was pointed to the proper section, even though the clearly marked sections would have led me there soon enough. Found what I needed quickly and went to the check out. Checked out even quicker because there were actually enough checkers on duty to help a Saturday crowd. Conversely, Target rarely has extra sales people on hand to actually help customers in the aisles.

The checker asked if I needed a gift wrap for my items. I did, and lo and behold, they were ready to go in less than five minutes. The "wrap" was a nice purple and white box with a purple ribbon. I'm into minimal packaging waste and recyclable boxes, so that was cool with me. Target does not offer a gift wrapping service, which assures them that I will have to leave the store with at least another $5.00 in wrapping paper and tissue.

I've written quite a lot about Target's nasty return policy. Now that I've found my friends at Bed, Bath and Beyond, I see no reason to ever go there again for a wedding gift. If someone is not registered there, I'll just buy a card and give them money.

Comments

[Carol Ann Wohlmut]

Walmart has been on my no-fly zone for years. I admit I've either missed it, or perhaps chose to ignore the press on Target. Perhaps it's time for a little more research. Meanwhile I am greatful for consignment shops and a city that prides itself on 'independent' shops where I can go first with my hard earned money.

[Ryan]

It's worth comparing Bed Bath and Beyond prices to those on Amazon. The markup at BB&B is extraordinary -- sometimes twice as expensive as Amazon.

[Claire]

Carol Ann, Target is also rumored to be a very conservative (political) leaning company. I don't know about that. I'm with you on the consignment shops but it seems that I don't have either the time or the patience to wade for bargains.

Ryan: thanks for the tip on Amazon. I also always forget to look on Overstock.com. Good reminder.