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Thursday, January 23rd
When it comes to shopping for china dinnerware, Macy's is a name that carries a certain flair. With over 150 years in business, including their iconic flagship store in New York City, Macy's is a renowned department store with a reputation to uphold.
Broad brand selection and competitive prices
Macy's offers an impressive selection of china dinnerware with nearly 40 brands to choose from. Some of the notable brands in their collection include Royal Copenhagen, Vera Wang Wedgwood, American Atelier, Mikasa, and many more. What's even more appealing is that Macy's prices are competitive with those found on the official websites of these brands. For instance, take the Noritake Crestwood platinum collection, priced at $314.99 for an impressive 50-piece set with service for 8: when shopping directly from Noritake, you'd pay $379.99.
Some limitations within each brand
However, it's worth noting that Macy's might not offer as extensive a range of options within each brand compared to purchasing directly from the brand's website: you may have an easier time getting a one-off replacement (for that cup you dropped on the way to the sink or the bowl that the cat knocked off the table) going directly to the china manufacturer itself. Nevertheless, Macy's typically has a good inventory of serving platters, bowls, mugs, and other complementary items within the patterns they carry. For example, in that Noritake Crestwood Platinum set we mentioned earlier, Macy's had nearly two dozen items in the pattern, ranging from accent plates and vegetable dishes to sugar bowls and coffee pots.
Buy online, pick up in store
One compelling reason to consider Macy's for your china dinnerware is the convenience of online ordering with the option for in-store pickup. While shipping is often free - $49 is the threshold for all customers, while those with Macy's rewards can get free shipping on orders of $25+, and top-tier Macy's credit card holders get no-cost delivery on every online order - having the ability to quickly grab a replacement plate for tonight's dinner or a last-minute bridal shower gift can be a lifesaver.
Shorter timeframe for returns now
However, Macy's has downgraded its return window since our last review, down from a generous 90-day timeframe to a just-average 30 days. In-store returns are free, while you'll pay $9.99 for a shipping label if you prefer to mail your dinnerware back.
Customer service is awful for online orders
And, unfortunately, that's just the beginning of where Macy's falls short in their customer service, particularly for online orders. While Macy's maintains an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, we discovered almost 2,000 1-star rants on Trustpilot alone, many of which referenced problems with online purchases. Common issues included orders being charged but never delivered, challenges in obtaining refunds, and incorrect items being shipped. Frustratingly, many customers faced difficulties in getting a response from Macy's customer service representatives, encountering lengthy waits, disconnected calls, and unfulfilled promises.
Shop with caution
If you have a Macy's near you and can go in person if there's an issue with your online order, it may be worth shopping for your china dinnerware here. After all, this department store might have prices that are a huge bargain compared with buying directly from the brand itself. However, Macy's is missing some of the perks offered by the china retailers ranked higher on our list (like free breakage replacement or generous return windows), and we're less than confident that you'll get helpful customer service if there's a problem. You should probably check out all of your options (including the ones at the top of our rankings) before clicking that "place order” button with Macy's.
China dinnerware, often referred to simply as "china," is a type of fine porcelain or ceramic dinnerware that has been cherished for centuries for its elegance and timeless beauty. Despite the changing trends in dining and tableware, china dinnerware remains popular for several reasons.
First, china dinnerware is renowned for its delicate and refined appearance. The intricate patterns, often featuring floral or geometric designs, exude a sense of timeless beauty that enhances any dining experience. The delicate translucency of fine china also adds to its charm. But, while china may seem delicate, it is actually quite durable when properly cared for. High-quality china can last for generations, making it an excellent investment.
Also, many people reserve their china dinnerware for special occasions like holidays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Using it during these moments adds a sense of tradition and significance to the event. Of course, you can always live like every day is special, because china can be suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to formal gatherings. Its versatility allows you to create different table settings to suit various events and moods.
Finally, collecting china dinnerware has been a popular hobby for many. Some patterns and brands have become highly sought-after collectibles, with enthusiasts scouring antique shops and auctions for rare pieces. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand daily use and occasional accidents.
However, when you're out shopping for china dinnerware at your local stores, you might notice that your options are a bit limited. Those big-box retailers usually stock just a couple of brands and a handful of patterns. So, if you want to match your china with your home decor or you have a particular brand in mind, turning to online stores is your best bet. They tend to have a wider selection, often at better prices.
Online shops make it super easy and fun to find the perfect china for you. They've usually got handy filters and clear images of each plate, cup, bowl, and saucer. The only tricky part might be trying to pick just one pattern from all the gorgeous options they offer!
Ready to get shopping? Here are some ways to narrow down the options as you search for your perfect china dinnerware:
Whether for everyday use or special occasions, the right china dinnerware can elevate your table settings and create lasting memories. To help you find the best patterns and settings, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked today's most popular brands and retailers. Your table will be picture-perfect in no time!
Select any 2 China Dinnerware Stores to compare them head to head