The Corstorphine Pram Centre is a long-standing institute in Corstorphine. The once family-owned company was founded in 1967 and has been in the same premises since the mid 80’s! That’s no small feat for an ever-changing high street. Perhaps it has stood the test of time because some parents-to-be buy their pram here, because their own parents did for them, and they want to make it a family tradition.
I personally love the Corstorphine Pram Centre. I have not only bought big items from here but have also bought gifts for others from here. They have a great selection that seems to grow every time I drop in. But more on that later.
I have recently gone in to talk to the ladies in the pram centre so that I have all the latest details for you.
What Can You Learn About Them Before Your Visit?
Before you even visit, you can check them out on their own website and their social media pages.
It’s definitely worthwhile following them. They recently ran a competition, and the prize was the latest Joie travel system, comprising car seat, base, pushchair and carrycot! The requirements were easy. Like the post, share it and tag a friend, as well as following Joie and then a winner was picked at random. What an amazing way to bag over £600 worth of essential baby equipment!
For one member of the team, it is her task and passion to post on their social media pages. Posts and Reels are frequent and informative with a few funnies in there too.
Their website is for information only. You can’t purchase online, but if you see something you like, you can call them to order it over the phone. It’s great to actually discuss your needs with a knowledgeable person.
You don’t need an appointment to pop along, you are welcome any time during opening hours. (Mon to Sat – 9:00 am to 5.30 pm and Sundays 12-5 pm). You are also welcome to stay as long as you need, trying out as many prams and strollers as you like. One staff member said, you are welcome to come in and make a mess looking at everything.
Even if it’s not your first visit. You can be demoed over and over again. After all, the purchase of a pram requires as much thought and research as buying a car.
Before you even step through the door, (the IN door is the one on the left) you already get a vibe of the kind of place you are going to. One that is full of all the modern prams, strollers, nursery furniture and accessories, as well as friendly and informative staff.
What’s It Like To Visit In Person?
Most days, the shop is manned with 3 members of staff, and you are welcome to come in as often as you like and for as long as you like. Some customers have been known to spend almost 3 hours in the shop! There’s also no set time during your pregnancy of when you should start looking. Any purchase made will be stored by the Corstorphine Pram Centre until you are ready to bring it home. All that’s required is one week’s notice. And there’s no need to worry about parking when you are collecting your items. The Corstorphine Pram Centre has a private parking spot around the back for collections.
The staff are good at listening to what the customer wants and asking all the right questions to identify their individual requirements. They are so knowlegable and observant, that they can even identify taste differences by geographical location.
So what will you see here?
There are over 30 buggys and prams on display, set up and ready to be pulled out and played with. The shop is larger than most people think and has room to stroll around inside with the prams, and to be demonstrated how to use it.
It’s not just prams and car seats though. The shop is filled with almost everything you need to set yourself up for your baby’s arrival. The major items along with prams are bedside cribs, cots that also become baby’s first bed, chests of drawers, changing tables, highchairs and bouncy seats.
Alongside these are all the accompanying parts you need: bed sheets, Gro Sleeping Bags, changing mats, bibs. As well as on the things you need for on-the-go travel, such as change bags (more than 1/2 the selection is the popular rucksack style), snow suits, baby carriers and the essential footmuffs!
Isn’t It More Expensive To Buy From A High Street Shop?
The Corstorphine Pram Centre will price match, and occasionally have a great deal on an ex-display item. Some of those items are simply for display and barely touched – how amazing is that! And they are already cheaper than Silver Cross themselves!
Buying all the gear for your new baby is a big investment. This is why the Corstorphine Pram Centre offers three different ways to pay, all interest free.
- Pay in Full on the day of ordering.
- Pay ½ when ordering and the other half upon collection.
- Pay minimum deposit and then regular payments, as and when you can, as long as you have paid in full by the time you collect.
You can make these payments by bank transfer, over the phone with your credit or debit card, or in store by either cash or card.
Every payment is handwritten, and a paper receipt given for your records. All payments are interest free.
Not Just A Shop For Parents
Anyone can buy Corstorphine Pram Centre gift vouchers, which is a great baby shower gift for a friend, colleague or family member.
They have a selection of toys for your baby and toddler such as junior prams and dolls, as well as Matchstick Monkey teethers and the super soft Jellycat Cuddly animals. There are also character books available to purchase about these Jellycat toys.
After Care
Items are stored and then built, ready for collection once you have booked your collection date and time. Then you get to use the collection parking space at the rear of the store. Car seats will also be installed by the staff, who are fully trained on this task and can inform you how to use them safely. The staff are regularly updated on their training as safety has become a top requirement for parents.
You leave knowing that you can always give them a call or drop in if you have any trouble or questions. A bond has been made.
However, if you buy online from any store, you will end up with a big cardboard box and a set of instructions on how to put it together. The human connection is lost this way. It’s also quite intimidating when it’s your first baby, your belly is getting in the way, and then you become exhausted and frustrated trying to build a pram for the first time ever.
When you shop with the Corstorphine Pram Centre you get the 5-star customer service you won’t get from an online retailer, and all for the same cost. It seems to me like the perfect way to start your new life.
If you are counting down the days to your baby’s arrival, or enjoying the first few weeks in the newborn bubble, don’t forget to capture the magic of this time with a photoshoot. To learn more about my Newborn Photoshoots head over to my my Newborn page.