National Schoolwear Centres - Alcester

Danielle Q.

Terrible. Absolutely awful if you’re hoping to buy over the summer as stock just didn’t come in on time. Many, many people were upset and angry and lots of children went to school without uniform. And this was for people who had actually PAID for uniform in advance- cash flowing the business per chance?They didn’t answer the phones either, so we had no update on orders.

I decided to give them another chance in January as a couple of the ladies were very nice and I felt sorry for them last summer. Phoned up to check what I wanted was in stock- no answer, same as the summer, just an automated message. Checked the “new” website which informed me what I wanted was in stock and there were multiple items. Great! Drove ten miles to the shop- guess what! No stock! They tried to tell me I was wrong and the phones do work and that the website is being “updated”. Save yourself the stress of dealing with this shambles and go to Solihull for any Henley uniform.

Donna M.

Rubbish, go anywhere else. The staff are nice but it doesn't make up for an archaic ordering system, not answering phones nor email. Wish I hadn't paid upfront and I'm over a barrel with it now. Was told my order was with embroider (5 weeks after ordering) and it'd be a couple of days then told the same a week later. Stood on numerous occasions for hours in the shop, simply to ask where the items are that I paid for which I haven't got time to do and the shop itself is a hazard with boxes everywhere and 30 odd people all asking the same question

Rachel H.

Ordered uniform the last week of July and they still haven't fulfilled the order. Phoned two months on and no one is answering the phone. Will be requesting a refund through the bank now as other customers have done. The shop staff are lovely but this doesn't make up for the poor management, lack of communication and non answer of orders and emails from management. No way of talking or communicating with anyone other than driving to Alcester and I work full time!

R F. (.

I am extremely dissatisfied with the service provided by this business. Every year, during predictable peak times, instead of scaling up to meet demand, they simply stop answering calls and disable online ordering, leaving customers stranded. This kind of disorganization is unacceptable. The only remaining option is to stand in line for hours at the shop, which shows a clear lack of respect for their customers' time. Schools should seriously reconsider partnering with this company and explore alternatives that provide a more reliable and customer-focused service.

Vicki J.

This shop is dreadful. Made to wait outside for at least 20 mins. I only wanted a tie. The shop is run in a archaic way. On the counter sales/orders are written by hand in a book. The till was ridiculously slow. The service was abysmal. One in one out policy ridiculous. We can go and try on our own blazer we don't need a sales assistant...they could be much better deployed getting sales through. It was like going back in time and not in a good way. This is what happens when 1 place has no competition - they can treat the customers dreadfully. I hate going to this shop. Every time I have to visit I am disappointed. I can only hope that somewhere else gets the contract as parents shouldn't have to be subjected to this torture every year. Also I spoke to another parent who needed a blazer and they only had 3 sizes available. Why haven't they ordered more in anticipation of the new school year? Boxes everywhere. Tubs and Edward would be more welcoming. At least I don't have to return again until next year.

Kelli D.

Still waiting for my order - placed online 3 weeks ago - they charge £6 delivery - but I have received nothing since I placed the order!
No one answers the phone or responds to emails.
Taken my money but heard nothing - day light robbery!

Trading Standards should get involved!

Unprepared for uniform orders at the busiest time of the year is very bad retail management.

S L.

Will never use them again ! Ordered uniform beginning of July and they still not fulfilled the complete order still waiting 2 months later! No reply to emails and don't answer the phone. Will be requesting a refund through the bank now.

sam T.

Absolutely awful service, ordered uniforms for 3 children 3.5 weeks ago, have phoned daily for some form of update or approximate waiting time and not once has the phone been answered, staff are miserable in store and clearly can’t keep up with the demand for uniforms they stock. Upon arrival your made to stand outside in the rain to wait for 15 minutes. (Strongly suggest an appointment system) in future will be sticking to m&s your uniform.