Hamiltons

Heartless Hamiltons

The week before Christmas, I went to return an unused item to Hamilton's for a refund however I was denied as I was one day beyond their 24 hour returns for refunds policy (so only two days after I actually bought the product!). Apparently I should have read one of the numerous pieces of paper and small print above the till when making my doomed purchase.

I politely spoke to the manager who absolutely wouldn't budge and kept telling me about his policy. I asked for reasons behind the refund policy and he couldn't give any. Finally I asked if he would be lenient on this occassion as an act of goodwill - nope, not even at Christmas. Obviously policies are more important than customers to Hamiltons.

This handy shop on Stoke Newington Church Street has provided many a last minute birthday present over the years. They stock a variety of stylish homewares and quirky gifts, as well as furniture, lightshades and a selection of jewellery.

If you’re after some flying ducks as an ironic style statement, a leather easy chair, tallboy or chinese lantern fairy lights, you might find what you’re looking for here.

I’ve succumbed to Moroccan tea glasses, a decorative door mat (very expensive!), a sequined gift box and an embossed jewellery box. And I’m sure I’ll be popping in again when I suddenly realise it’s somebody’s birthday and I’m all out of ideas!

Hamiltons is a very dull name for this shop doesn't do it any justice. It's the place I go to buy my girlie friends birthday presents or thank you presents - you know the sort of thing: lovely letter writing sets; photo holders that come in all shapes and sizes - some that hang from the ceiling, some that sit on top of a floor stand; mugs; matching plates and cutlery; diaries and journals. What's quite odd about this shop is that in the front window one's attention is drawn to the furniture - not only a lovely gift shop, this has another floor filled with beautiful furnishings for your home, such as leather sofas, wooden cupboards and well crafted shaped mirrors. I recommend this shop to people who live near by - it's a wonderful find - but because there isn't a huge amount actually in it, I wouldn't advise people to come from afar as you may not find anything that is for you. Stoke Newington Church Street and the surrounding area is well worth a visit, however, so I would recommend those who live far away to take a trip to this lively, trendy area and then go to Hamiltons along the way.