However, recent publicity about Allyson Gofton taking a role as ambassador for the retail giant intrigued me. Has she jumped out of the Food in a Minute frying pan and into the red hot coals of a Warehouse fire?
Right on dinner time Allyson’s smiley face has beamed from the television screen into my family room for years, making my culinary efforts look hopelessly boring. My sons have eagerly anticipated crispy, potato pom-poms with plum sauce and been sadly disappointed to find home-grown silverbeet and snow peas plonked on their plates. Alas, now their pseudo-mum is giving them home décor tips. I’ll never be able to compete.
Before being too critical of the Made in China magnate, I needed to investigate The Warehouse Home category that Allyson is enthusiastically supporting. I was delighted to see the place has tidied up a lot since my last visit. Shelving no longer seems to reach for the heavens and the concrete floor at the entrance is stylishly polished.
Inspiring bedroom settings with contemporary accessories appealed to my suburban, housewifely eye. I even spotted some Egyptian cotton sheets – my favourite. As Allyson says, there are “lovely things to create homes that look and feel great without breaking the bank”.
Venturing into the cookware area, tidy displays of colourful whisks and pastry brushes looked set to rival other kitchen retailers. Gleaming stainless steel captured me and I left the store with a Wiltshire saucepan in my grasp – another retail therapy session complete.
Sadly the little saucepan did include a cardboard box, two plastic bags and another layer of soft plastic stuff for protection – maybe a little excessive on the packaging front.
Here’s hoping Allyson’s expertise will ensure the gleam won’t fade after my first cooking experience with my perfect new pot.
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