Beware of BRU

Mulhollem42

Just wanted to drop in from the 3rd tri to give some advice I wish I had known when I was just thinking about registering, because if I would have known, I would have chosen another retailer to register at.  I copied my post from another board (may 2011 moms)  I am seeing quite a few people to commiserate with on this issue. 

 I am also not loving BRU.  I registered for things online, and though the items state that they will be available in stores, there are so many items that are not.   I have printed my registry at 4 different BRU locations and the majority of my stuff is not available, and it is not like I picked some weird items or anything.  My mom called me after the invites went out to tell me to go fix my registry, because there is nothing to pick from in the store.  Fixing it entails me choosing other items that are in store and compromising what I really would like (some items I refuse to do this)  When I went in store to fix it and asked one of the managers, he explained that BRU in store is a completely different company from BRU online?  Really weird, inconvenient and something I wish I knew before the shower invites were sent out.  BRU has a total monopoly on the baby registry thing and they need to get their act together. 

My friend also had the same problem with her registry and I ended up buying her gift off Amazon for $20 less than at BRU and with free 2 day shipping- it literally got to my house in 24 hrs after ordering.  Thanks Amazon.  Sorry for the long rant!

 

Mrs.NGM

I hate that store and will not be using it for my registry.  It's such a clusterf*ck mess in there and a PITA to shop at.  The couple times I've had to shop there I've had a really hard time finding items on the registry and almost always come across price discrepancies.  

JenniferAnnes

Thanks for the advice.  Any input on what store(s) would be a good alternative?  It seems like that's the only baby store in my area.

lawgalheel

Just an addendum:   it depends on who might be shopping off of your registry, of course, but for me a lot of people were the type to buy "in store."   For that reason, when I registered (I registered at both BRU and Target), I first went to the store physically to set up the registry, then added some items afterwards that were only available on-line that I really wanted.

 A few of my friends have done the registry process online first, and almost all of them have run into similar problems as the OP.  So, I think that no matter where you register, if you know people will be shopping in-store, it would be best to register in-store first.

 I hope this helps other ladies---OP, sorry for your difficulties at BRU!

Jason'swife

In my experience, there isn't really a "good" option for a regustry. BRU and Target are both a HUGE PITA if you have to return something. We ended up going with BRU with #1 just because there is a huge one near us and they have much bigger inventory than BRU. Either way you're going to be frustrated though.

NDwife07

Your experience is just yours, and depends on the store in your area (or online issues).

 

I had a fantastic BRU experience even though I generally don't like shopping there. Never had an issue with availability, friends & family could easily find items, and their return policy is INCREDIBLY generous (didn't need a receipt, and I even returned stuff that I know wasn't bought there).

MrsG.060708

I've never had an issue with BRU. I think it greatly depends on the store.

Mulhollem42

I registered with Babies R Us because I live near DC, but my family and shower will be near Pittsburgh.  It was the only store option that could be in both areas.  (except Target)  I thought BRU would have more "baby" options.  I realize that stores are different, but I have been to two stores in my area and one an hour away (near a friends house) and the one in Pittsburgh, and been disappointed each time.  When you actually have the registry papers in your hands in the store and it indicates isle or item location, it is very hard to understand and isles are not really labeled well in stores.  I asked an employee for help and they showed me a few isles on my papers, but said even they could not find some things/isles listed and admitted it is very confusing.

I realize that any store will not have all items that they have online, but don't want Grandma and Great aunt so and so not being able to use the registry because even I find it difficult.  

I registered at Amazon too and have been really happy with it, though it is only an online option, and I have really been liking the Buy Buy Baby near my house for selection and customer service, though some of their big ticket items can be more expensive.  Wish there were more Buy Buy Baby locations.

Karen1998

I think you'll find that this is common with ANY store you can register at these days.  Spend a few minutes perusing the major retailers' websites and you'll see plenty of "online only" options.  Such is the way of the web world.

In addition, many national chains carry different items at different stores.  Some do this regionally and some do this store by store.  We registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond for our wedding and struggled to find a place setting that we liked.  A couple of days later, I went to a larger store in our same town and found a plethora of settings the first store didn't carry.  We also registered for plenty of things online that we couldn't find in our local store.  However, our guests had no issue finding them in their local stores or online. You just never know what sort of stock one store will carry.  BTW, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Buy Buy Baby are owned by the same company, so I'd expect similar stocking practices.

I have to second the comment that Target is a huge PITA to return things.  We fought them after our wedding and struggled to even get them to let us return things that were on our registry and had been checked off of our registry.  I really debate whether to register there again, but unfortunately, a lot of my family shops there.  

IEtoLA

I think wherever you register online it's going to be a problem.  I registered in store with BRU and Target.  My only problem was that I didn't know that certain tags meant they were going to be discontinued so I had to change those items out, but otherwise everything I registered for in store was there.  Registering online gives you more options but many things, like the OP said are not in store.   My only problem was with returns without a receipt that pretty much any store except for Walmart will give you a problem with.  Despite their policies, BRU was actually pretty good about just giving me credit for items even if they weren't on my registry.  Maybe it depends on the location. 

2-Step

The moral of this story is don't register online. Go to the store where your friends and family will be shopping and scan. Every online retailer will have this problem. It is impossible to keep all of your stores updated with all of your online options if it is a store that chooses to sell some products "online only." The only way I can see to get around this is to register at a local boutique or who doesn't carry online-only products, but then your selection is going to be very limited. I had an ok experience with BRU, but just know going in that it's always best to do it in person no matter where you register. The other option is to register for a few key things in-store and ask for BRU gift cards so you can go online and purchase what you want yourself. People love shopping for baby stuff so most will make their purchases in-store.

mabst196

I made my registry at BRU and made it known that they were not the cheapest for everything and if someone could find something someplace else for cheaper to buy it and just call BRU to mark it purchased. Worked out pretty well.

TommysGirl56

It's very common for ANY retailer to have totally seperate inventories of items online and in store.  Wal-mart and Target are the same: what they sell online and what they sell in the store are completely different.  Make your registry in the store first.  then you can add a few online only items later.