Lani is amazing!! I was looking for an espresso machine for my kitchen. I already had one in my mind that I was thinking to get. One Sunday, my husband and I walked into William Sonoma on Lake street in Pasadena, and we met Lani. She is so knowledgeable, kind, funny and professional! She told us the pros and cons of the different models by telling us about her experiences. We told her how big our kitchen was, and what we needed. She picked the best one for us from the machines they had, which is a small basic one. She thinks about what's best for customers without up-selling. It's not that easy to find someone like her in retail stores. She's very honest. We were very lucky! read more

Wow. I'm really sad to write this review. I worked here for twelve years, starting when the store first opened in The Commons in the early eighties and continuing into the nineties, and of course I shopped occasionally through the following decades. The store I visited Thursday afternoon was a very different operation, not the well-run, interesting store I remember. Though the store wasn't busy, I couldn't get help. There was an associate at the register helping one customer and no one else to be found. other than two or three other browsers. I did find a person working "stock" at the doorway to the "back" room who said she would find someone to help me. I believe she really did try as after disappearing for a moment she found me on the sales floor and told me someone would be with me with cookware soon. After about ten minutes of waiting for help, I left the store. Compared to the days I worked here (both as a sales associate and for a while, assistant manager) customer service here has dropped in quality a very great deal. I hope this was just a bad day. It could be WS is yet another brick and mortar victim of the pandemic. That said, the stock is not nearly as varied or interesting as it used to be, especially dull are the bakeware, tabletop, food, and books...It is a boring store now, especially for Christmas time. read more

LOVE WS! I exchanged my sodastream cartridge and then continued to window shop. I don't understand these negative reviews. I live in the area and every time I've stopped by I've always had a great experience. Staff is extremely helpful and always appear to be in a good mood. However, buyer beware. Noteworthy. This store sells high end cookware. High end is not cheap! That means it's not going to be cheap! If you can't afford it you should find a more suitable store that matches your needs, such as Target, Wal-mart, or Right Aide. Happy Shopping :) read more

This store has the worst customer service! 1 clerk at the register, long line of customers, waited 10 minutes before he called for help although the sales clerks were milling around so I don't know why they didn't notice the line that had formed. I had my items on the counter and this rude sales clerk never greets me she shouts over my head "next" even though I'm standing right in front of her. She never shows any friendliness or apologizes for the long wait. After spending over 110.00$ she just gives me my bags without a thank you, I will not be back, Sur La Table will have my future business. Well to my surprise & not sure how they knew it was me Williams Sonoma sent me a Gift Card for my purchase amount! Although I wasn't looking for a freebie I appreciate the effort they took to remedy their poor customer service and hopefully their employees will treat their customers with better care. read more

This store has really gone downhill. Denise greeted us and stopped being friendly the moment she could see we were only there to browse. When we later asked her if they had a specific holiday item, she said holiday was in the other room. I asked her if that specific holiday item was sold there and she said "I don't know, go look in the other room." There were literally no other customers in the store. She wasn't busy. She was talking to another employee behind the counter. She could have easily walked over with us to check, but I guess we were not as important as whatever they were discussing. They lost my business, not just because she was dismissive, but because I wasn't even given a catalogue to check for my item, and no one bothered to look online for me. Literally no effort was put forth to make me feel valued or to even make a sale. The customer service is truly lacking. In a time where online shopping is so available and convenient, you should be thankful people even come in to support their local stores. If you dismiss me so, I can and will, buy online for less money. The employees from 4 or 5 years ago were so great to their customers. I don't know what happened but I don't see a great future for this location. read more

Terrible customer service. I came here looking for their advertised $20 Ebelskiver pans. When I came, this perky young man with a headset was walking around like he's on speed. I asked him where to find it, and he said, that it sold out. I would have understood if it sold out and left it at that. Then he started laughing in my face and clapping. WTF? It's bad enough that I had to drive all the way to Pasadena to look for one of these, and when it sold out, you got an ass laughing at you. I'm never going back here again. read more

O.K. so its been a while since I've been here. Looks like management has changed : ) Store is very crowded and some of the employees need a lesson on appropriate business wear. Lots of sloppy dressing, and lots and lots of cleavage. No need to have boobs hanging out. Hello!! Customer service is pretty good and if you do your research, they carry the best of the best products. Love WS, but please clean up both space and sales people. read more

My mom and I decided to stroll around Williams Sonoma while we waited for Lemonade Cafe, next door, to open. It was an early morning. I've been to this location before, actually several times. I've even attended a demonstration/book signing. Its a pretty store, too bad one of the clerks ruined it. She literally followed me and my mother around the store. Yes! who does that anymore...I guess we didn't look like "people" from Pasadena? or maybe my little frail Asian mom looked like she was going to run out the store with a LeCreuset pot heavier than her?I dont know, but talk about making people feel uncomfortable..a little piece of advice for the foolish Asian lady who followed us around, make sure you know who your "profiling", one day, they might just follow you. read more

Had without a doubt the best shopping experience at this Williams Sonoma!! Lani helped me purchase a new espresso machine and was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the products!!! Not only was she a great SA but was genuinly kind to my girlfriend and I during our visit. Can't wait to return. Really a pleasure shopping with her and at this store! Highly recommend shopping here. read more

These people are culturally insensitive and completely ignorant to the fact that they exhibit racism...a few weeks ago they had an "American girl" doll cooking class. American girl is a company that has a diverse set of ethnicities in their collection of dolls (which is awesome). My family is of central American roots and we have brown skin. I called to make sure they could provide my daughter a doll that looks like her. They told me that they could not comment on that and made me feel like I asked a bad question. I was appalled! These people need to brush up on sociological impacts and issues related to encompassing all people of different races. NEVER AGAIN! No cultural sensitivity! These people are living in a bubble! Pick up a book and educate yourself on the statistics when It comes to minorities and why it is important to welcome all races and cultural backgrounds read more

Let me start of by saying purchasing my item was not too bad. I knew exactly what I wanted from the beginning. Luckily I was greeted by a lovely lady who helped me get the item I was in there to purchase. She even helped me with an extra item that I was eyeing. Now for the reason I'm here writing a review. When I got home and opened the box the item had already been used. Coffee grounds all over the machine and got my kitchen counter dirty. I was disappointed. Was looking forward to using my new item. But I took a breath and said ok, no biggie, let me go return this. Next day I go exchange the item, and of course...such a girl moment, I switched purses and forgot the receipt. So I took up the item and mentioned that I had just purchased the item the day before, but I just realized I had forgot the receipt. She asked me a bunch of questions that were understandable questions for an exchange, but it was her demeanor and how she looked at me when I was answering her. Um, I get it...you have a policy and regulations to follow, but the attitude was not needed. I get their side but how about me as the customer, spending a pretty penny on an item, and this is the experience and customer service I get. Then after what seemed like an interrogation, then she asked if I had purchased the item with a card. I said yes, and she was able to find my receipt. It wasn't until then that I got a different tone of voice, but at that point it doesn't mean anything. Not to mention, I never got a sorry. On the contrary, I got a response of, "we never sell return items." Not buying it. read more

I have been her twice and received the same bad customer service twice. I should have learned my lesson the first time but I have friends in the Pasadena area and its just so convenient. Avoid the manager and the other workers just clueless. Go to Brea or Victoria Gardens. Even better, just shop online! read more

My girlfriend and I have been to this store a few times. The older ladies working there seem to only ask people of a certain type if they need help. Must work on commission and can't see over their noses in the air to understand that my net worth might not be reflected in my dress on a Sunday. Their loss if do work on commission. Will never return here or buy anything from them. Gave them more than one chance and every time no improvement. They are too busy squawking like old hens among themselves to help customers. read more

This by far is the worst WS store - weird vibe with more workers than customers and that room in the back where the cash registers is small, crowded and filled with workers with headsets and a big mouth. If you are not walking around with a big $ sign on your forehead and with snotty "old money" look, you'll sure get thet rude treatment. I don't hate William Sonoma in spite of their prices because they actually do carry good quality, well- made cookware items, but with prejudice customer service , it will definitely make me think twice about going here again. I should have gone to the WS store in the Arcadia mall where the employees treat their customers with respect. read more

dale put me on a wait list for a class

The employees aren't very friendly here. If a person is spending over $1000 in a store, the employees should be a little friendly. Went back to purchase a turkey roasting pan but no one asked if I needed assistance. I walked out. Not going back. read more

I love their products but what service? They are just snobbish minimum wage workers. Yes, I have said it, I am a customer potentially spend my money but you can't greet me? Perhaps they are only nice to guys come to the store, since I have seen Vince's review. read more

Should stopping by Williams Sonoma on South Lake to pick up a meat thermometer be an "event?" No. But this afternoon it was. I could see at least four WS staff and three customers. A ration that should work in my favor. Yet I had to find what I was looking for on my own. And could they be less pleasant and ungrateful when I was checking out? I'm guessing they can probably top the who-cares-that-you-shop-here attitude that I experienced today. But someone else is going to have to verify that. I'm out. Why go anywhere other than Crate & Barrel? read more

William Sonoma & I have been friends for a long time. I had my wedding registry here & everything I got is still in great working condition. Quality cookware, gadgets, BBQ tools, small appliances, etc...and a knowledgable staff that can tell you what they like & why. My kitchen is well equipped but there's always something that can make my life easier. On this trip I got my new toy, the veggie spiral. I also got it for 20% off which made it even better. read more

So, here is another 1 star review to add to the list. My wife and I shopped at this location a few times before noticing that the customer service was horrible. After our last visit, my wife and I were compelled to write a review about this store. Unfortunately, we ended up moving and completely forgot to write the review. Well, after months had gone by, we decided to come on Yelp and write about our experience and noticed the 2 stars the store had received. (Nothing surprising) My wife was looking for a stable job, so she went online and found out that the Pasadena store was hiring an assistant manager. Being the person that she is, she decided to apply for their assistant manager position so that she could change the 2 star rating back up to 5 stars. I clearly remember her specifically telling me how motivated she was to work at the store, and what an amazing job she would do with bringing up those stars and in the same time, bringing up their sales. Long story short, she had to call the store numerous times to get ANY of the managers on the phone. In fact, NONE of the managers had the "time" to speak on the phone. My wife was constantly told that they were in a meeting. I'm not sure if you can be in a meeting 10 times in one week, but I guess that was the situation. After weeks of calling, she managed to get an interview. The first interview went very well, and Dave (one of the managers) that interviewed her said that my wife was the perfect candidate and that the District Manager would adore her. There was an interview set up so that my wife could meet with the District Manager in Beverly Hills, but she was unable to make it due her getting food poisoning. She called the Beverly Hills store and told the representative to tell the District Manager (Mr. Klump) that she was not going to be able to make it. - This is where it got ugly. My wife called numerous times to tell Mr. Klump himself, but he was "too busy" to take her call. My wife even called the previous manager at the Pasadena store, and he was also "too busy" to take her call. My wife then emailed both managers so that she could reschedule, but weeks went by and none of them replied. My wife and I, both, were just tired of waiting to hear back from a manager at the store. I personally told her to forget about the position, and that it wasn't worth working with people who are unprofessional. After 2 months, she went back online to Indeed.com and found that the SAME position was available. That position had never been filled. So, she called the Pasadena store, AGAIN, and the manager (Dave) picked up the phone. My wife inquired about the position and told him that she was still interested, but he very rudely told her that there was no such position available and that he didn't know what she was talking about. So, this review is for the Management of the store. One word: Poor. If there was a way to give the store zero stars, I would....and I'm sure others would, too. Customer service is a joke at this location. It's very sad, because the core foundation of Williams-Sonoma is all about customer service. If Mr. Williams knew what was going on in that store and the way management was treating customers and potential employees, I'm pretty confident most of the employees would lose their jobs. Very sad. I wouldn't shop at this store, let alone work there. read more

I want to be clear that i am a Fan of Le Creuset. Le Creuset is what brought me to the store. I visited the website before I went into the store, I'm glad I did that. I walked in and greeted the workers (lol). Later a lady approached me and asked me my budget. I told her I have a little budget today of $100 dollars, it's for a gift...she scoffed at me and kind of walked away...so I proceeded to look for the item that I saw online that was within my budget. I found it and picked it up. That same lady came by and took it out of my hands without saying anything. To be honest I did not appreciate that. She could have communicated with me as to why she was taking something from my hands. I always think it's best to try and communicate with your customers. The customer service is not great here. The employee's need to be trained to interact with humans. If they had a better staff things would run a lot smoother and people would spend a lot more. I have a bunch of stuff that I want to buy for my kitchen. I will not be going into the store I will buy it online. Note: Le Creuset is Pricey but worth every penny. read more

The staff is very friendly, helpful and willing to search on their website to find what you want if they don't have it in the store.

First time at this WS store and staff was friendly. They had a great sale and was able to get Calphalon waffle maker and Swissmar raclette for better prices than in Amazon :) Great displays to get ideas for the kitchen. WS is pricier but they usually have well made products. I like to come in to get ideas for what items to consider for my kitchen and will buy if reasonably priced. read more

This store can be over priced but if you want to get your hands on a piece of All Clad or Le Creuset before buying this is the place to go. They also have a good selection of spices that are hard to find elsewhere. read more

Great experience everytime I am in the store. Jeff helped me answer several questions and how can you not love everything in the store? Yes it may be overpriced but I do believe you are also paying for such things as customer service which is a quality that seems to be dying in the retail business. Would not hesitate to go in there for inspiration on dishes I cook or knowledge from the staff. read more

Terrible service is the norm at this location. Add to that seasonal help and many "entitled" customers made todays experience insufferable. I stood in line for nearly 20 minutes, three cashiers all invested in how to make change for a 100 bill... then it was my turn and immediately a customer interrupted my transaction with "I only have a quick question... and proceeded to ask about a registry and the clerk gave him her complete attention...I interrupted their conversation, whereupon the clerks apologized to the interrupter... Then another customer interrupted with the SAME routine... again clerk engaged and ignored ringing me up... I simply stated to the offending customer to wait her turn and when I was finished she was all hers... I avoid this store as their customer service representatives "play" store, not work at one. Look Pasadena, we are one of the only nice towns left in Los Angeles county, but come in... it's a cooking store... and if there was any other option I would shop there!!! read more

Stopped by this store last night, while waiting to have dinner at Sugar Fish. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but always find something that I need, every time I pop in. There were 2 employees working on the floor. Not one of them ever greeted us, not verbally, nor with eye contact. It wasn't until I made a purchase that anyone even spoke to me. In a business that is customer service driven, with tremendous competition, I think that it is crucial to provide the best customer service possible. Even simple eye contact and a smile will suffice and is better than being ignored. This experience will not influence me to stop shopping at Williams Sonoma, it is just disappointing that a first rate brand, would provide substandard customer service. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. A visit to the Pasadena store this evening easily eclipsed any prior lousy shopping experience I've had. First, a little background: after finding a cute tree-shaped candy-filled advent calendar on-line, I called the store to check on its availability. I was put on hold, then assured that plenty of them were available as they "had just come in." Tree-shaped with little boxes? Check. Filled with chocolate? Check. $49.95? Check. After confirming the store hours, I headed for the store. When I arrived in the store within a half hour of my call I immediately saw at least six employees milling about. None of them greeted me. They were busy doing more important things like straightening out strings of lights, putting boxes in cellophane bags, and pushing carts of merchandise about the store for stocking. The level of inexplicable pretension was palpable. Perhaps it was because I, akin to a previous reviewer, was in my Sunday best -- jeans, sweatshirt and no makeup. I recited the details of my earlier call and asked for help. After a ridiculously long delay, I asked the only employee who eventually talked to me to intervene. Someone finally emerged from the stock room to click on the computer and tell me the item in fact was not in the store -- despite what one of their employees had told me less than a half hour earlier. Astonishingly, two different employees suggested that I could order the item -- AN ADVENT CALENDAR, FOR PETE'S SAKE -- on December 20, when they were expected to become available. Whether these are minimum wage seasonal employees, regular employees, or managers, they uniformly showed scant concern over the fact that I had been given incorrect information, or for the inconvenience they had caused me. I will not be back. I found a comparable item for a lower price at another vendor where the customer service was excellent. read more

This is a great place for kitchen minded shoppers, but it is on the pricey side. Great customer service with a sizeable shop. They also offer cooking classes, but you are going to have to check out the schedule and prices on your own! read more

I love Williams! Funny how I seem to get all excited over a microplane or a new lettuce knife. I wish I could buy the whole store but it tends to get a little expensive. Aside from that, the service here is really nice and the store is really clean and organized. Parking though can be a pain because theres only a paid garage nearby, so unless you wanna pay, you gotta go one street over and park on the street. read more

The employees here are exceptional in every respect, but there is one, James K., who goes above and beyond. He has replaced broken items without charging; he has searched the basement for specific items; he has recommended solutions to cooking problems; he has gift-wrapped things in the blink of an eye and helped choose gifts for picky chefs -- he knows Williams-Sonoma inside-out and greets many by their first name. He makes shopping a total pleasure, reminiscent of small town, good old days, when transactions were meaningful. This is a well-run store with customer loyalty because of its employees. read more

Wow, after seeing so many negative reviews on Yelp, I was very hesitant coming here yesterday to do my Christmas shopping. I wasn't sure what to expect and was planning to stick to online shopping instead. I arrived late in the afternoon and the store was very busy. Nonetheless, I was greeted by several employees after I arrived. I was told about the sales and what was on special. Any questions I had were answered in a courteous manner by the staff. I enjoyed my first time shopping experience at this store. I never felt rushed or pressured into buying anything other than what I was looking for. I found the staff on duty yesterday to be helpful and professional. I will recommend this store to friends and family and look forward to returning again soon. read more

If you need help don't ask Denise to do it. She is too busy to be bother. I came to buy a knife and get some knifes sharpen but she was extremely unhelpful. She needs to go back and get some customer service training read more

The store is awesome. The products are tops. The staff is wonderful. Always ready to help with Knowledge and suggestions. W-S is my "toy store" And my whole family knows that. The GrammaChef read more

Beautiful store and smelled like fall ! Sharon is a wonderful, wise, and sweet person that helped me as soon as I stepped in ! She greeted me with a smile and answered all of my nespresso questions .... Big selection at this store ! read more

Terrible Customer Service! They have the most ridiculous return policy, I will never shop here again

Tried to return a gift I received three days later and the manager refused. Still in the box untouched. Had both the gift receipt and the actual receipt, and she insisted that her system wouldn't "override" a note saying the gift had already been returned. Even though I was literally standing in front of her with the brand new item. She got worked up after I explained to her that I have no idea why it would say that... I was just someone who received something that didn't fit in my kitchen. The sales girl was kind and polite. But managers customer service was just awful. Just a bummer all around. read more

One of the smaller locations I've visited, but as all WS stores, it's a very nice, upscale shop with quality products and very nice staff to assist in your needs. Smelled great, but there were no samples of what ever we were smelling. I love their little kitchen knick knacks. I almost always find something neat for the kitchen, whether a little knife, a pizza cutter or a juicer. read more

Super rude sales people act very entitled like I should be lucky to even have the privilege to shop In their store. Asked about the Vitamix blender they sales rep just kept mumbling in her PA voice adapter which I have to say is the rudest type of service . Finally without so much as another word she said it's in stock do you want me to bring it up? I said no and walked out! I'll buy it at target ! read more

This place should be 5 stars. I love their products and quality. 1 star for my precious experience and 5 star for my second experience today. Let me explain. I came in December 2017 to get some new stuff and clean out my old stuff for the year. I have always shopped at crate and barrel but one of my friend suggested me try Williams and Sonoma. So I came and bought a BUNCH of stuff. I opened up a Williams Sonoma card to get 20% off on ALL my purchases for that day. The lady that helped me kept trying to get to me try new brands and new pots and pans and knives. ( so they get sales commission?) She said " take advantage of the 20% off today and try the new items. If you don't like it for any reason, you can return it ANYTIME". So I bought a lot of things and of course going that I would love them so I won't have to return them. Included in the purchase was three expensive knives I didn't really need but thought I might like to try it out. Turns out my wonderful husband bought a really good knife sharping machine and now old knives are all sharp so I no longer need my new knives. The knives have never been used. It has never been even opened. So go in yesterday to return them as I don't need them ( and mind you that is the ONLY thing I returned) and they informed me her Williams and Sonoma only has a 30 day return policy. I was shocked!!! And yes it is my fault for not looking at printed receipt and it's my fault for believing in the sales lady...so 1 star. Of course I am new to WILLIAMS Sonoma so I am not aware of their return policy. But the new salesperson was very nice and understanding and gave me store credit so 5 star. Lesson learned for me is that even a high end place like Williams and Sonoma you cannot expect the Sales person to honest. She told me "you can return it ANYTIME". She NEVER said anything about 30 days. Just be careful and be warned. 30 day return policy. read more