Sears vs. HBC(HomeOutfitters)

colz87

Having the great debate over which to go with for gift registry. 

I have already registered at Crate & Barrel for majority of our tableware, flatware, serving pieces etc. etc. but I don't like their selection (or prices) for kitchen appliances and some other random registry items.

In store - I didn't like the Bay because their selection of kitchen appliances is never good and varies so much by store. So I made a Home Outfitters registry, but I feel like everytime I have either gone there to update my registry or buy for someone, it's a nightmare. I really, really, dislike the shopping experience. The website is also a pain to use to find and add items. 

So tonight I made a Sears registry instead and transferred all my Bay/Home Outfitters stuff to Sears. I find they're a lot easier to search and add items online, better in-store selection, and, they just seem to have a better grip on e-commerce in general than Bay/HO do. 

I am just wondering if anyone has any feedback on one or the other... it seems like most people are using HBC these days (i can return stuff and buy michael kors watches instead? whhaaa? just kidding). but I am just liking the Sears experience way better and can also register for practical things like vacuums, bbqs, and plasma tvs (why not?!). 

Input welcomed, merci  

Jewel224

I registerd at both the Bay and Home Outfitters and haven't had any issues with either adding or deleting items.  I loved the Bay because I could put vaccuums (Hello, Dyson!), BBQs, mattresses and furtniture on there.  Plus, they give you a year to buy all the items on your registry at a discount, example - 55% off a mattress set, and that's on top of sale prices.  So that sealed the deal for us.  Plus buying online for my guests wasn't a hassle, or so they told me.

souptin

Jewel you nailed it! we registered at the bay for our more expensive things like luggage.
for everyday stuff we used amazon universal registry
The bay completion discount was what lured us in. Keep in mind you can keep adding to the bay registry after the wedding (up to one year) and still get the completion discount on it.
we have only had 1 person purchase off the bay and they said they had no hassle.

naomikb

I went with The Bay because all our old family members (aunts and grandmas) know it and use it and it's close to us.  There are vacuums and TVs at the Bay too (not sure about BBQs though).  They also have patio furniture seasonally.

In the end though they're all big chains and people won't have a problem using them.  If you go with Home Outfitters though make it explicitly clear that it is HO and not The Bay since the little logo on the website can be difficult to read if you don't already know what it means.

JennLax

We actually registered at Sears (for a more affordable option) and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  As a guest at a few weddings who registered at the Bay, I didn't want to put my friends/family through that LoL    They never have items in stock and things get discontinued very frequently.  For my FSIL's shower, there was one thing on her entire register available for me to buy at the Bay near my house.  ONE THING!  And it was expensive LoL

I thought we'd give BBB a try and see how it went.   The registering experience was good (but long :P) and it has been very easy to update our list online.  We're really happy so far.

colz87

@JennLax - Hear you. The smaller Bay's so such a pain. For me it was Oakville and it was such a nightmare whenever I had to buy for people I just ended up getting them an HBC giftcard!

I feel like Sears has a bigger inventory and supply chain it pulls from so it should be a bit easier? we'll see.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts  

mattycam

I registered at bothe as well but found that the gifts that we did receive (that were not monetary) were from home outfitters. It's also a great place to register because they vary in price.