I will cross post this in kitchens as well. I'd taken a free techniques class at a local W-S recently, and saw the 4 qt soup pot with lid on display (and later, in one of their catalogs). It seemed like a good size/pot to have in my "arsenal" so I decided to check around for the best pricing; Amazon.com, Fortunoff's (had a 20%) coupon, Chef Central (another coupon).... There was no listing for a 4 qt soup pot on any of the above-named locations, nor was that pot listed on the A-C site. The closest thing I could find, was a 4 qt casserole pot (also with lid), which looked to be pretty much the same size/pot. I got the dimensions of the casserole pot off a couple web sites, and then contacted W-S to confirm their A-C's soup pot's dimensions, and they were identical. The clincher, was the sku or model # on the soup pot box (5304), which is also the # for the 4 qt casserole. Why go to all that trouble, when I could have clearly purchased the same exact pot (with a different "name") at a number of other places? Price! The 4 qt casserole is selling for ~$185 everywhere. Even with a 20% off coupon, the price would be $148. The price of the pot at W-S is $134.95 ($14 less than the coupon price at other stores), AND, you get the A-C large ladle with the pot (retails for $25 at W-S, ~$22 on Amazon)! Now, I realize that this isn't quite the bargain one might find at a HomeGoods, or TJ Maxx for example, but it still seemed like a good deal for those who want the pot (like me), but don't want wait for it to possibly show up at discount stores or outlets.

I'm sure I could find something at WS, there's one in Grand Rapids that I wander through whenever I get the chance but seldom buy because it's so expensive. Maybe really good knives, and I bought my farm animal waffle iron there when they finally went on clearance. Elery left some of that copper cookware with the acorns here, but I never use them, they're too pretty, LOL. I'd love to have a couple more Calphalon hard anodized things, I love the 8 quart pot I use for jam and the 2 quart saucepan. I don't like the "everyday" pan with those two stupid handles on the sides, who the heck thought of that? I can't pick the blasted thing up and pour stuff out of it without burning myself. I asked that question a couple of times here and never got an answer, so I didn't buy one. That didn't stop Elery, though. He doesn't like it either, which is why it's here with me. Unused. As for the Le Crueset, I've never really wanted any. Elery has a couple of pieces and they're OK, but I still prefer my Lodge cast iron dutch oven, made right here in America. Never been to Sur La Table or Ikea or even Homegoods. I love Crate and Barrel in Chicago but I always take the train and I know I'd never get items back unbroken. Never been to a Kitchen Collection or Dansk outlet either. Iunderstand there's a Pfaltzgraf outlet in HOlland, about an hour and a half from me, but I've not been there yet either. Please excuse any typing errors, I'm using Ashley's laptop and I just hate it!!! Annie

There used to be a Williams Sonoma in the center of downtown Minneapolis. I really miss it. I think it moved out about 5 years ago. There are still 3 WS in Minnesota and not too far away from me. I just liked shopping on my lunch hour downtown.

Ok, I am on the phone now with W-S tech support and they are less than helpful. The girl wanted me to use Chrome. Ok I am an Apple user (3 devices) and I am NOT going to download a virus-ridden browser just to access this site. So she said she could help me order what I wanted.... So I told her since I couldn't access the site and compare details, I didn't know what I wanted. Next she said I could use the internet to find what I needed. Ummmm, last time I checked, the internet was the same old internet. This girl has transferred me to a supervisor but she doesn't know anything either. Not a good 'tech support' system.