1. Pacific Sales
Multiple locations
888-237-8289
pacificsales.com
Its parent company is Best Buy, but for Best of OC readers, Pacific Sales has retained its status as favorite appliance store for a second year.
There are three local Pacific Kitchen & Home Stores within Best Buy stores in Mission Viejo, Fullerton and Costa Mesa. A store-within-a-store Pacific Sales venue was set to open at the Tustin Best Buy in August, according to a spokeswoman.
Four stand-alone stores are spread across the county in Brea, Huntington Beach, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano.
Pacific Sales, founded more than 50 years ago, offers premium brands such as Thermador, Jenn-Air, Wolf and Viking. Pacific also sells luxury goods for outdoor grilling and cooking.
“For customers looking for a truly custom kitchen, shoppers can work with a Pacific Sales representative to design an entire space,” said Best Buy spokeswoman Shandra Tollefson.
The store offers free delivery and installation of major appliance purchases greater than $399 and kitchen and bath fixture purchases greater than $1,000.
Employees will give prices over the phone, and the company matches competitors’ prices, Tollefson said in an email.
2. Best Buy
Multiple locations
888-237-8289
bestbuy.com
With 10 stores in Orange County, Best Buy offers a variety of large and small appliances, from blenders and juicers to refrigerators and range hoods.
“Many of our local customers are return shoppers. We are able to offer them expert advice, service and convenience – all at competitive prices. Our customers know that our Best Buy and Pacific Kitchen & Home employees are experienced and can answer any question that comes their way,” Best Buy spokeswoman Shandra Tollefson wrote in an email.
Delivery and installation fees, as well as other policies, are the same for Best Buy and Pacific Sales. Prices are given over the phone, Tollefson said, and employees will match prices of retail competitors, including their online prices, as well as those sold by Amazon.
3. Howard’s
Multiple locations
844-469-2737
howards.com
The chain that began as a radio-repair shop in the back of a sporting goods store celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Today, with 12 locations in Southern California, the company formerly known as Howard’s TV & Appliance has added mattresses to its selection.
Here are a few of the pluses that may lure back loyal customers: a 60-day price guarantee, next-day delivery on anything that is in stock, a price-match guarantee and employees who give prices over the phone.
And about those employees: They’re part-owners. “Every employee is focused on making every customer happy,” said company spokesman Grant Hancock, adding that that means customers are satisfied “not only at the time of purchase, but throughout the life cycle of the products they purchase.”
Critic’s Choice: Pirch
3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa
949-429-0800
pirch.com
The aroma of earthy espresso entices shoppers at the threshold of Pirch as a barista offers a complimentary beverage with a smile. And that’s just the beginning, because this isn’t merely a home appliances and decor store; it’s a full assault-on-the-senses retail wonderland.
Luxury-brand refrigerators, washing machines, wine cellars and fixtures are not simply displayed in rows; most appear carefully set into vignettes so you feel as if you’ve entered a tasteful home. Love that sleek-lined Italian bathtub? You might not have even noticed it if a bottle of Champagne posed beside it hadn’t first caught your eye.
Run your fingers over snowy white bathrobes and imagine how those candles nearby might glow as you soak in the tub. Stroll, cappuccino in hand, to the entertainer’s kitchen at the back of the store – a party waiting to happen. Two stoves? Mais non, that’s a full-blown pizza oven. Love barbecuing outdoors? Mega-gas grills worthy of Bobby Flay gleam next to rotisseries ready to withstand the elements.
Just a looky-loo? There are delicious ways to linger. Attend a cooking class or book a private event from a simple wine tasting to a multicourse dinner. For serious shoppers, Pirch has the latest in the luxury market, from the Babmar chair with tangerine accent cushions to a Viking range in cobalt blue.
Got questions? Need installation? The store goes the extra mile to gently remind you it’s all about your lifestyle and your needs. Low-key sales staff members wait for you to speak to them. Shopping should not be stressful, the website says.