in being very angry with Mamas and Papas "flagship store"?

[bellabelly]

So, for a treat, took ourselves off this afternoon to new flagship store on Regent Sreet - excited to have a look at some of the things we'll need to be buying before the twins arrive in August.

There were only TWO twin buggies to try out in the whole shop. Almost EVERYTHING v expensive - eg, cots £595 not including mattress or bedding . (We asked if we'd get a discount for buying 2 but assistant told us no...) Went to their cafe to sit down and recover with cake and a hot drink. My hot chocolate was cold - had to ask waiter to warm it up. DH's pain chocolat totally hard and stale (he was allowed to swap it for a croissant when he complained). Two drinks and two pastries cost us £12!!!

On way, DH suggested taking catalogue. We picked one up then noticed £1 charge written on front cover. Decided to forget it and put it back. Assistant asks if all ok and I mention not impressed with having to pay for catalogue. She replies "Oh but it goes to charity" as if I'M being awful scrooge not wishing to pay!!!

A I being unreasonable? Was so excited to be going there but have come away DETERMINED not to buy anything from there EVER!

I was thinking more Red Nose Day?

It should be called "Measles", surely?!

the other day I saw a white bugaboo with neon graffiti...

Whimper whimper

I like the afternoon tea fabric.

Oh the shame.

Oh dear Lord, franca!

Ahem, Mrs B... am still waiting on your considered opinion on my response to your pram questionnaire...

i love mandp,but not everything in there, agree the furniture is overpriced pap, we got a faB IKEA cot, so we dont mind it beong ruined by monster child vomming, pooping etc over it. Child car seats are great and some of the baby clothes,,BUT the shop i go to has woderful staff, just right for hormonal preganant women. Isnt is awful how shop assts,can make or break your day

suggest looking at Glasgowpramcentre web site as they discount 10 - 15% on RRP of places like M&P. The have all the M&P stuff at these discounts should you not have been put off totally. We also had twins, looked around and then did a massive order from the site. Re prams DEFINITLY go for the big wheeled pram I started with a M&P twin buggy with 4 small sets of wheels and it was a nightmare to get up and down stairs and pain to fold. After over a year bought a Little Nipper which is fabulous. Not nearly as heavy as mountain buggy.
Also re shopping there is a big nursery shop, whose name escapes me, bottom of Queens Town Road (Chelsea Bridge end) which gives 10% disocunt for twins. A lot of shops actually do, so do ask. If you join TAMBA they give you a list of retailers who do. Good luck - twins are an amazing gift - enjoy!

a bit like this

franca that is hideous

Oh, you need a 3-wheeler with a steerable front wheel - possibly the Bebecar Racer (prob the City ST - you need to measure yr boot space).

Oh franca, truly vile

I know! I can't stand bugaboos in general. I like plain ones, a bit outdated...

I thank you. Will look

What is it with 3-wheelers anyway? Are 3 wheels better than 4?

easier to steer than a trad 4 wheeler but better on lumpy ground than a swivel-wheeled one , folds just as well as either.

white wheels!!!!

You are indeed a fount of knowledge. Have only experience of one (particularly bad) pram thus far, despite having 3 children!

Are you going for the Silver Cross, do you think?

think so
MIL is dead set on it and is paying...

oh very nice

for a double buggy definitly - having had experience of both. Trying to pull a double buggy with 4 small wheels upstairs is a real struggle but a 3 wheeler just bounces up

What silver cross one MrsB?

I know mamas and papas are a bit pants but do you like the Pilko in Ice?

oohhh o have a 2nd hand old fashoned silver cross in navy i love it so much.it fits in all of my shopping, baby is comfy cosy and stretched out, could almost join her sometimes

Ice fabric in this house would be madness!

Do you like it though Ceolas?

In an ideal, sticky hands free, world?

Thank you for replies. Now that I've calmed down and had nice dinner, am no longer "very angry " but still irritated and I definitely will be shopping elsewhere. Spent a happy half hour in John Lewis straight after and it was MUCH better use of time! And their Moses baskets were half the price...

Socci, yes it was THAT cot and yes, you're right, it IS colourless, as is entire stock. DH pointed that out when we were there - everything is so relentlessly tasteful.

Thanks for all the suggestions about twin prams/pushchairs too - am still searching for the perfect one.

The Sleepover (linked to as 'trad 4wheeler' below) - carrycot goes on stand by the bed to avoid moses basket.
And a Triumph to sling in the boot.