Lakeland considering selling up

I’ve used them for decades, I’m a big fan. Yes, they can be expensive but of the two similar, differently branded items I bought recently, one from them, one elsewhere, the Lakeland one was superior. You get what you pay for quite often.
I try to support them when I can as they are independent and their flagship store fairly local.
Where would I get a replacement Remoska, my vital bit of kitchen equipment, from if they went?
This is very sad news, still getting over losing Wilko’s.

kitty
Thank you. I think I know where you mean.

It is now Notcutts. The website doesn't say pro cook but I think I bought Procook stuff there.

If you are near Nottingham, I think there is a Procook in the garden centre that used to be Wheatcrofts (forgotten who took it over)

I much prefer ProCook but Lakeland do have a nice shop in Nottingham. Quite pricey but it's a while since I was in there.

I only wish there was a ProCook shop a bit nearer to me.

Their prices are quite high, but they have to factor in the 3 year guarantee costs.

I bought a Lakeland air fryer last June. I've had nothing but problems with it and have had 2 lengthy conversations with customer services who were patient and tried hard to sort out the issues.

I gave up with it last week after doing my own testing. 2 identical ready meals cooked from frozen. One in the air fryer one in my large fan oven. I even set the temperature of the air fryer the same as the oven. 30 minutes in fan oven - cooked and ready to serve. 45 minutes in the air fryer and still cold in the centre.

I called them yesterday and they're taking it back under their
guarantee. I'd made a list of everything I wasn't happy with but I didn't need it - no questions asked and free collection by Evri this week. (And I did actually feel a bit guilty).

I doubt after 6 months use it's going to be of use to anyone so I assume it's just written off. Along with everything else that's returned under the 3 year guarantee.

So, brilliant customer service but that's what you're paying for.

Oh what a great shame, but as previous GN have stated, they are way too expensive. I bought a pack of those “flat mates” for dusting awkward areas, the Range had them for £2.99.
I don’t rate their own brand electricals tbh.

That will be such a shame because when you do buy from them you get a 3 year guarantee. That is worth paying the extra. And yes ' ixion' I too remember Lakeland Plastics in the 60s.

ixion

Remember them as Lakeland Plastics?
My mother was a dedicated mail order shopper when I was young!

My MIL was a dedicated mail order shopper

What a great term, it describes MIL exactly!

😂

Yes, I remember that name.

I always enjoy receiving their catalogue. I call it ‘kitchen porn’.

Remember them as Lakeland Plastics?
My mother was a dedicated mail order shopper when I was young!

I had many, many things from Lakeland. Loved my orange squash jug . I wonder where it is now - probably in one of the children’s houses 🤔

we've what we need to see us out

Oh, I know what you mean.
But I want some new things!!

I use Lakeland online for bigger items, but enjoy browsing through the local stores.

I don’t think I have ever come out without buying something.

Allira

Lakeland is online
Lakeland sells through Amazon too.

We don't purchase many items now, we've what we need to see us out - Amazon have a big variety from which to choose (apart from Lakeland).

Lakeland is online
Lakeland sells through Amazon too.

We've not made a journey to Lakeland for years, Amazon is convenient.

To be honest I have wondered fir years how WHSmith survives on the high street.

WH Smith are selling all their High Street stores as we shop there less and less. they will concentrate on their airport and railways station shops, which are highly profitable.

We lost our local Lakeland last autumn and we miss it. Recently placed an online order to replenish our stocks.

Lakeland is available through Amazon.

It is hard for Lakeland to compete with Amazon, but they like M&S have such a solid reputation.

Maybe companies like this should just accept they have to squeeze their profit margins a bit as soon as their marketshare starts dropping, rather than to diversify?

We don't have a Lakeland in my town or the neighbouring towns so not somewhere I shop. We do have a W H Smiths which I avoid as the staff are so hostile. I used to like Smiths when I lived in a city but the local one has put me off. Maybe a bit of staff training would help.

I think it is hard for all sorts of shops to compete with Amazon, their books are usually cheaper than Smiths.

I think they are a wonderful company, good customer service and their three year guarantee is really handy. Yes they can be expensive but most of the items are good quality.

Don’t close Lakeland!