The Great Escape

Reviews 8

KE

Kelly Vallicelli

Im discouraged. We decided to splurge and buy high end (to us) patio furniture because we wanted it to be sturdy, last forever, and really love it. We picked a set that had a 7 year guarantee. Weve had it for 2 summers and it has never been exposed to the elements (we have a covered patio). In May, I was sitting on a chair and the slat in the bottom broke off. I am 51" and 120 pounds. We contacted the Great Escape. I wont go through every bit of this but weve had countless phone calls with no follow-up. The staff is relatively polite with each encounter but then nothing happens! It is nearing the end of August and our chair is still not fixed. Chicago weather is finally beautiful, our patio is like an oasis, and one person in our immediate family has not had a chair ALL SUMMER! This purchase is seriously the worst $1200 that I have ever spent, any $35 chair would have lasted longer. I checked the return policy because at this point, I wish I could get rid of the entire set and start over. Their return policy is "un-used in original packaging within 30 days" I guess I am spoiled by the Costco return policy but I would NEVER shop the Great Escape again. I prefer companies that guarantee and follow through. I dont see a long a fruitful life for this company. I give it 3 more years, tops. People want, expect, deserve, and can get a much better experience elsewhere.

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GA

Gary Heck

We needed to replace slings on chairs we purchased from Great Escape several years ago, so I went back to the location we bought from. Apparenly only 1 person there can assist with patio furniture. Between trying to find the person who could help me, waiting for her to be available, then waiting again while she attempted to land a sale, it took more than an hour to submit the order for 4 new slings. No problem. Get them in 2 weeks. Apparently the store I went to cant actually complete that kind of order, so it got routed to Downers Grove. Who, at 2 weeks, told me it would be at least 4 more weeks. 8 weeks later its not clear where the order is or when I will get the slings. Ive been told theres only one person who can tell me and she does not work on Thursdays. And when (if) the slings do show up, I have to drive an hour each way back to the Schaumburg store because they "are not allowed" to send the slings to my house. Even though I did have to pay a shipping fee to have them sent to the Downers Grover store who then will forward them to the Schaumburg store holding area.

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Pah Tryk

Recently moved to the area and was in need of suggestions on what to purchase. My wife was completely furious that no one offered to help and everyone was hanging out at the main desk. I was only approached regarding a hot tub purchase but was not provided help at all after mentioning i was new to pools and needed advice. the worker immediately uninterested to help or have any drive for a customer to purchase products from the store. Seems that everyone checked out from this place. The lack of enthusiasm or customer service is unreal. The only benefit is some prices. In regard to being greeted upon entry that did not happen at all. Why would any store ignore the fact that 1. im new to pools and need advice. 2. your have a clear sale to make as your recommend products. 3. greeting is completely worthless if you dont follow up with a did you need help with anything. Id rather drive to american sale and spend the time and gas for real help.

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Wendy Rendon

I went to have my pool water tested told the young lady I dont use chlorine. She asked me chlorine questions told her again those questions dont apply to me. She tells me well I cant tell you whats wrong cuz I only know about chlorine. WHAT?? I use aqua silk and she tells me what is that. Two guys that were behind the counter walked away. Then she tells me give her s few minutes to find someone who does. I walked out. Second encounter needed a pool filter. Took my purchases to the counter two guys behind counter. One guy looks at me, I look back be just stands there. I said I am ready to check out he just stands there. If I didnt need this filter I wood have walked out again. SCHAUMBURG is a horrible store on Irving park road. Wish Leslies never closed. Ppl were young but they knew their pool info.

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JO

Joy Blum

I bought a pool from Dan at the great escape in the spring, well it has been nothing but a head ache. The delivery guy dropped and kicked boxes, I took video of it. The ladder was missing the parts that keep it from floating up, after going to the store and Dan looking in other boxes said they are all missing this and he would order this and get back to us. Well now it is fall, my motor is making a winning noise, still no part for the ladder, and went in to get the winter cover that was told was part of the package I bought, and Dan who was eating chips, said no you have to buy that, I think this store needs to have a better more caring person running it, I left there and will never step foot in there again, I will go on the inter net and pay more .

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MI

Mindy Schade

Mindys husband Jeff writing this: Ive bought my replacement filter, pump, skimmer components, etc., all from the Great Escape over the last several years. Every year theres something else little needed. Its nice knowing theyll have everything I could possibly need, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable, considering its "pool stuff." I once went to Leslies in a pinch, before they closed, because they were closer. It was a little thing, but was $18 (later found out it was $4 at Great Escape.) Im heading in with a terribly cloudy water sample a week past pool opening when they open today. Hoping they can advise what to do (or whether to give up, drain and refill 16,000+ gallons - ugh.) Will report back later, if I remember to. :D

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KI

Kim Zalewski

Thrilled! From the second we walked into the store, John went over everything we didnt even know to ask about a Hot Tub. He spent so much time with us, even after we made it clear were just looking..may not even buy. Well, we ended up buying and we are beyond happy with not only John and the staff at the Great Escape, but Samantha in Spa Scheduling and everyone who came to haul away our old tub and put in our new tub, they were amazing! GREAT EXPERIENCE all around. Well be back again when were ready to purchase out patio set! Thank you Team!!!

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ST

Steve Napleton

I was in a few weeks ago and a sales guy quoted me $2400 for an outdoor sectional. When I called a few weeks later, he said he "messed up" and that the price was $2800. Finally I went in yesterday, and a new sales associate told me "I dont know what that guy was talking about" and quoted me $500 higher still! Is it bait and switch? Laziness? Either way it certainly didnt seem like they cared about the error, doesnt feel right considering how much money I was prepared to spend.

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