Tags
Australia, Bondi Junction, Cookware and bakeware, gourmet cookware, Homewares, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Sydney, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma store in Colorado
(Image from here)
It was back in August last year that I first heard that American retail giant Williams-Sonoma was opening down under. At the time it seemed quite a long way away, so I created a wee ‘wish list’ of things that made me look twice. Then I promptly put it to the back of my mind. (You can see some of my ‘wish list here. I’m not sure what planet I was on that day – a couple of the items just scream ‘twee’ to me now… What a difference eight months makes!).
Well, the day has (almost) finally arrived. Tomorrow is the official opening of Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm in Sydney. I’m imagining gridlocked traffic and bedlam at Bondi Junction. LM has promised to take me for a look-see. I’m not sure he realises just what a magnanimous offer this shall turn out to be!
Now if you are not from North America AND if shopping just ain’t your bag AND you have no idea what I’m yabbering on about, here’s the back story: Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is, according to their website, “the premier specialty retailer of home furnishings and gourmet cookware in the United States, Canada (and, as of tomorrow, Australia). Their brands are among the best known and most-respected in the industry. They offer high-quality, stylish products for every room in the house: from the kitchen to the living room, bedroom, home office and even the hall closet.”
In the name of research (!), I had another squizz at their websites and put together a few things that caught my eye…

Recycled Rag Rug Pouf from West Elm
I have no idea where I would put it but it’s red and it looks yummy…
(Image from here)

Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection for West Elm
I LOVE these…
(Image from here)

Alphabet Trays for West Elm
Wouldn’t these make sweet wee gifts?
(Image from here)

French Cafe Side Chair for Pottery Barn
Bringing a piece of the Med’ down under!
(Image from here)

Croquet Set for Pottery Barn
And, while we’re sitting outside in the sun, a spot of croquet, perhaps?
(Image from here)

Grand Embroidered 280-Thread Count Boudoir Pillow Cover for Pottery Barn
I fancy the idea of embroidering a rude word or phrase onto one or two of these…
(Image from here)

Signal Flag Kilo for Williams-Sonoma
Kilo represents the message ‘I wish to communicate with you’.
(Image from here)

Stuffed Hamburger with lifter for Williams-Sonoma
I think this is a BRILLIANT idea. I may just have to invest in this wee beauty…
(Image from here)

Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand for Williams-Sonoma
I know it’s sexist, but I immediately think ‘man gift’…
(Image from here)

Fontana Gusto Wood-Fired Outdoor Oven for Williams Sonoma
Given my gluten-free life, I can’t even eat pizza. That doesn’t stop me coveting one of these gorgeous ovens…
(Image from here)
All of the items pictured are taken from the North American website. I’m not even sure the entire range will be available here… I guess we’ll find out tomorrow!
If you’re in Sydney, you too can visit the grand opening tomorrow from 9am at 472 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction. LM and I will see you there!
I am bummed. I cannot make it tomorrow morning as I am away…….I think half of Sydney will be there, so many people seem to be going…. have fun and spend lots!!! 🙂
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I think it will be bedlam…
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I love the alphabet trays – as you say a lovely gift. Michelle
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M – I had thought an initialed blue ‘tray’ each would be a lovely wee pressie for each of my girls at our weekend away. Sadly, I don’t think they made it across from AMerica… (sniff) X
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Have fun Syders! I can never get out of those stores, especially at Xmas time!
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I can’t think about Christmas yet, M – It’s May (and I’m not even sure how that arrived so quickly!)
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Do tell, how was the opening?
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Hey K – well, I bought my stuffed hamburger pan from Williams-Sonoma. So, that part was good. There is a great looking cooking school at the rear of the store. I gotta say, though – both LM and I were slightly underwhelmed by Pottery Barn and West Elm. Maybe we don’t fit the demographic?
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The stuffed hamburgers look very delicious!
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*chortle* when are the Australians (brands) coming?! Waiting to get my hands on lots of cool Australian homewares as well…
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After seeing everything yesterday, LXAX – I completely agree!
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I was thinking you might not be a big fan of Pottery Barn and West Elm. I think you like things a bit more eclectic and less accessible than them. But I do believe that WS is the best cooking store I’ve ever seen. We have several of them in town. If I liked to cook, I would definitely spend all of my money there.
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Actually, “several” is a bit of an exaggeration. We have 2.
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That’s one more than us, SSFAM!
You say the sweetest things 🙂
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Oh, I like those glass bubbles for plants!
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Me too, Lady Fi. But I didn’t see them… 😦
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I don’t know what the other vendors in that space are like over there, but we could always use more competition in that space. I doubt we’ll be getting our own one any time this decade though.
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Not enough people, me-thinks, PK. Sometimes the very thing that makes you appreciate a place is also a disadvantage in some ways.
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I am definitely checking them out next time I’m in Sydney, might need to rent a truck to come home 😉
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Do let me know, 2BD. I’d be interested in hearing what you think…
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What I like best about WS/PB is the great service. I once returned a mandolin to WS 2 years after I bought it; they took it back – no questions or complaint. I hope your version has the same…
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Jeannee – trust you. I have a mandolin that I hardly ever use. I find it cumbersome. I think I need some lessons from you…?
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The number one store for bridal registry! (Made up claim)
I have only internet window shopped that store. Have fun 8)
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I spent $17.99 on a stuffed burger implement, K. I was ready to spend more but the urge to buy failed to appear (most unlike me!)
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Funny how sometimes the urge is strong and everything is just what you want and other days, nothing.
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