When Domino Magazine announced its top table and flatware picks for 2007, I was excited to check out the websites for the selected brands. Since these brands are the 'top' picks, I thought the websites would be easy to use and smart. Sadly, most of these websites are not. These are my grades for each brand's website:
Domino also listed the top stores. Their website grades: Aero Studios website: C+ (Site would be much better in HMTL.) Barneys New York website - tableware section: B- (half-baked.) Calvin Klein Home website - tableware section: B (Initial 'pattern' choices are confusing, can't buy online, can't zoom in on product, and store finder tool is not handy.) Crate & Barrel Home website - tableware section: B+ (missing: the emotional connection.) Global Table website: B (great navigation, but lacks good pictures and lifestyle infusion.) La Cafetiere website: C+ (Nice use of roll-overs, but can't buy online, and some simple functions are missing.) Ralph Lauren Home website: A- (Site immediately infuses lifestyle with slideshow, but hides products behind vertical scrolling of thumbnails-BAD. Top of tabletop section is picture showcase not a shopping route and this needs to be made clear. The shopping section should not be relegated to the bottom of the tabletop home page.) Takashimaya New York website: B Bloomingdale's website: B (navigation could be easier; shop by brand link should be more apparent-not hidden in drop down.) Dillards website: B (surprisingly good.) Macy's website: B+ (can zoom in very close to product.)