I DECIDED to head to South Africa’s ’first stand-alone SMEG store’ in the boujee neighbourhood of Constantia. Picture: Vernon Pillay.
I FINALLY got a chance to go to the exclusive SMEG store and have to say that I was not impressed.
Now don’t get me wrong, the appliances looked like appliances ... meh.
The staff were lovely and I did apply to win a blender.
The place in question was South Africa’s “first stand-alone SMEG store” in the boujee neighbourhood of Constantia.
But, as with the neighbourhood of Constantia, I was underwhelmed by the SMEG store. Look, perhaps “old money” is understated and not flashy. I guess I expected more for all the hype.
In all honesty, I'm more impressed by an @home store in Canal Walk than the new swanky SMEG location in the Old Village in the Constantia Shopping Centre.
I know what you’re thinking – you can’t afford their stuff so you're just jealous!
 
Okay more about the store ...
The Constantia store is the first in South Africa. What does that mean? Well, previously SMEG had several showrooms in this country, but this is the first time its wares can be found in a dedicated store.
Margaret Hirsch, executive director of Hirsch’s Homestore Group, wants to replicate what she did with the Samsung concept stores. According to Hirsch, the concept stores have done well and there is hope of replicating this with SMEG.
If you're a labels junky or perhaps just love SMEG appliances, you can get your fix at the Constantia store any time – it’s open seven days a week.
And yes, they have the famed R1 million Dolce and Gabbana fridge.
THE famed R1 million Dolce and Gabbana fridge. Picture: Vernon Pillay.
I am generally not a fan of flashy or gaudy things. Understated and classic is more my taste.
But here are my favourites ... and their prices.
SMEG stove that costs R78 999.99. Picture: Vernon Pillay.
This yellow beauty also caught my eye.
ANOTHER SMEG stove. This one costs R45 199.99. Picture: Vernon Pillay.
All in all, my SMEG experience had me feeling out of pocket and my guess it will do the same for you, though perhaps it will be in a different way.
