Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialists

First day of school - no uniform.
Where to start! First of all, I ordered online believing that the 2 week wait meant I would receive my order within 2 weeks. It doesn't. Beware - it means that once it's been despatched (which can itself take weeks), it will take up to 2 weeks to arrive in the post. What possible mode of transport is being used that means it takes 2 weeks to arrive once sent.
Once it became clear that I was not going to receive my items in time for my child to start school - I contacted the Stoke Gifford branch - or I tried to - no one answered the phone. Ever. I then tried head office - after waiting 20 mins on the phone, someone finally answered. When I explained my problem she suggested 2 solutions - bearing in mind that Covid makes going into the shops more difficult: 1, that I call the branch to make an appointment but that I probably couldn't do this because their phone lines were down, 2 - that I book an appointment online - but then added that I couldn't because their systems were down. So, what do you suggest I said. Finally, after much back and forth, she got me an appointment. It's not close to my house - half an hour drive. This is the reason I ordered online in the first place.

When I arrived at the location, they had just 1 of the 7 items I had ordered. It appeared I had no choice but to wait for the other things to arrive.

This morning - package comes. About half of what have ordered has turned up - the rest is not in stock. And, unfortunately, most is in the wrong size. To be fair to them, I have 2 children at the same school and had ordered sweaters in one size and cardigans in the other. The cardigans haven't arrived but the sweaters have - just in the size I ordered the cardigans in.

The first day of school for parents is a big day - photos, memories etc. My son is going in his Sister's uniform. I know there are worse things happening in the world but this is a monopoly on logo'd school uniform and the service just isn't good enough.

I've repeatedly heard that you are busy - I just don't understand it. You're a school uniform provider. Schools start back in early September. Every year. There are roughly the same number of children in those schools every year. How have you been caught unawares by the demand in school uniforms?

The girls / ladies working in the Bristol shop were helpful - as far as they could be and the woman on the phone was also pleasant.

Placed order 12th June with plenty of time for delivery. Monkhouse cancelled order without letting me know. Only found out when 4 weeks in still no delivery (always late - been shopping with them for 5 years) and checked account. Appalling communication and only shop to buy uniform from.

Item arrived on time click and collect item did not fit as ordered online wil not exchange in-store have to wait up to 14 days for refund to card so had to buy in-store incase they sold out so be aware of you buy online you can not exchange in store if size is wrong

Just had a very helpful telephone conversation with Jack. He answered my question whether this, or any branch, hold items in stock for Christchurch Infant school in Downend. The answer was no, I have to order online, bit annoying, but it has saved me a wasted journey.
Thank you Jack! 👍

I went to get some school trousers today. Made a complete pig's ear of finding boys trousers (it even said 'girls' on the label). The manager, Michael was so helpful and didn't roll his eyes once. He was very patient and helped me beyond what was necessary. That would have been very painful without his help.

Rubbish shop as they never stock all the uniform. Always order only. Got more hope buying from Amazon. Can't try on due to hygiene rules. Very expensive. If you do use the shop, take a paper measure tool with you unless you know all your child's measurements.

I found what I needed. Hanham wood uniform nice and easy and didn't need to pre order.

After reading the reviews I must admit I had a shaded view of monkhouse Bedminster store.
However upon my arrival today due to not being able to book an appointment over the phone for the past three weeks, I was greeted with a polite and courteous tone. The lady booked me a walk in appointment then and there, and proceeded to hand my query over to a kind gentleman who made it clear that no issue was too much trouble. He took the time to source the items we needed and made sure we were happy prior to us leaving the store. The cashiers were just as polite and everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Personally I had a good experience with this store and its employees, although I did not meet the older gentleman people are saying to avoid