I haven't been shopping just for the sake of it for a long time. I don't spend much time at all in actual shops to be honest, because I'm always at work during the week and I despise the crazed mania that is shopping on a weekend. I usually have something specific in mind when I do venture into a shop, and don't spend that much time browsing. It's rather a shame really because I used to love wondering up and down the high street or around the shopping mall with nothing in particular in mind, just the desire for something new and exciting.
Yesterday I was reminded both of why I stopped that aimless and self indulgent wandering, and why I miss it -- We went to view an apartment near Newcastle (which was horrible, so nothing exciting to report there), and while we were so close to the city decided to do a little shopping and have lunch. Because I shop online so much now, I really miss Primark - their crew neck t-shirts in particular - so I made a point of going there first. Big mistake: Primark on a Saturday is like some crazy post apocalyptic free for all. There's stuff all over the floor, there are tons of people everywhere (screaming babies, slow elderly people, you know the drill) and you can't think straight. Don't even consider trying anything on, because the queue for the fitting rooms is ten minutes long and by the time you've waited in it you'll be withered to a melty lump in the stifling heat. I can't help but think that this is the way Primark want the experience of shopping in their stores to be; If you feel harassed then you're much more likely to make a rash and unconsidered purchase (and ignore any shabby quality or craftsmanship). This being said, I did walk away with two of the aforementioned crew neck t-shirts, unfortunately they just came with an added, stress induced, 'sour mood'.
The next place we went was John Lewis and, oh my, what a difference! It was like an oasis; clean, calm, cool and not as busy as primark. I browsed, I picked up three items which caught my eye, and I took them into the fitting room. Wow the fitting room... none of those cramped, hot, musty smelling cubicles oh no no! Instead, I was led into a beautiful room with a large circular green leather sofa in the middle, surrounded by changing cubicles hidden behind heavy green curtains. The fitting cubicle itself was lovely; cool, well lit, good mirrors, a call button... I think it's safe to say I was delighted. They even had some green leather couches outside the fitting room entrance, much to the relief of many weary husbands and boyfriends.
I fell head over heels in love with a Liberty print shirt from John Lewis Collection but wanted more time to mull it over before paying. But hey, no problem! I just left it with the fitting room assistants for an hour while Bob and I went for a coffee in the John Lewis espresso bar! By this point, I was pretty much just "OH MY GOD, I NEVER WANT TO SHOP ANYWHERE ELSE EVER AGAIN". I felt like I'd been transported into an episode of Mad Men, it was so bloody classy. The coffee was delicious - surprise surprise - and by the time I'd finished it I felt totally cool, calm and collected, and 100% sure that I was making the right decision in buying the shirt.
The next place we went was John Lewis and, oh my, what a difference! It was like an oasis; clean, calm, cool and not as busy as primark. I browsed, I picked up three items which caught my eye, and I took them into the fitting room. Wow the fitting room... none of those cramped, hot, musty smelling cubicles oh no no! Instead, I was led into a beautiful room with a large circular green leather sofa in the middle, surrounded by changing cubicles hidden behind heavy green curtains. The fitting cubicle itself was lovely; cool, well lit, good mirrors, a call button... I think it's safe to say I was delighted. They even had some green leather couches outside the fitting room entrance, much to the relief of many weary husbands and boyfriends.
I fell head over heels in love with a Liberty print shirt from John Lewis Collection but wanted more time to mull it over before paying. But hey, no problem! I just left it with the fitting room assistants for an hour while Bob and I went for a coffee in the John Lewis espresso bar! By this point, I was pretty much just "OH MY GOD, I NEVER WANT TO SHOP ANYWHERE ELSE EVER AGAIN". I felt like I'd been transported into an episode of Mad Men, it was so bloody classy. The coffee was delicious - surprise surprise - and by the time I'd finished it I felt totally cool, calm and collected, and 100% sure that I was making the right decision in buying the shirt.
The garment itself is perfection. I needed an outfit to wear to a work conference I'm going to this month, and as I'm going to be travelling for a few hours before actually getting to there I wanted something which I could wear with comfortable trousers, a crew neck and ballet pumps, and which would transition easily from train seat to conference hall. I think this will do nicely, smartening up a pair of indigo denim skinny jeans. The Liberty print is both old fashioned and modern, and simultaneously reminds me of my grandmother and the juicy citrus colour palette which is so in vogue right now. I don't even want to think about the price tag, I think Bob's mouth literally fell wide open as the sales assistant said "that'll be £59 please"...
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Wow, a long post! Thanks if you stuck with it until the end! Writing this got me thinking about that magical, mythical 'shopping experience' that keeps getting talked about. That wondrous thing that will save a high street shop, giving it the personal edge over an internet shopping experience. Well folks, I think this is it. I probably wouldn't shop in John Lewis every week (I haven't got the money, for one thing) but I would definitely go there if I was seeking something a little special, and wanted to have a good browse as opposed to seeking out something online first. I actually can't wait to go back!
So, tell me, what shops have you been in which offer this magical shopping experience? What kind of stores offer that really great physical customer service rather than via email or telephone?
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Love this. John Lewis is fab! I am literally in there every week spending in one of their cafes! Also don't forget about their kids clothing section, good reasonably priced finds there too! The joys of being petite!
ReplyDeletethe cafes are divine! I just can't wait to go back :) and yeah I've had a few things from the kids section before, it's awesome! so much cheaper!
DeleteThe majority of my shopping is done online, esp. ebay. It's not often that I shop in person, and when I do I actually prefer stores where I can do my own thing. I'm not someone that needs a red carpet rolled out for me, so as long as I can get in, get what I need, and get out, I'm good. The only time I go into fancy shops is when I'm on vacation. My best customer service experience was Baccarat in Las Vegas.
ReplyDeleteyeah it's quite difficult for shops to find that happy medium between being left completely alone and being hassled all the time, I think! Department stores seem to have it down though... I've been in a Chanel and had really bad service before, so the quality of service doesn't seem to have that much of a direct correlation with price!
DeleteI mostly shop online too! I get nervous with too much customer service, I feel like there is so much pressure on me! The print of this shirt is gorgeous though. I tried to google john lewis but I coudlnt find the webshop anywhere?
Deletehttp://www.johnlewis.com/ here you go :)
DeleteSounds delicious! I love the colors in this print.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to a trip to Las Vegas at the beginning of July, and saving up money for it as we speak. There's no way on god's green earth that I'm going to go on a shopping spree, but it will be fun to window shop and perhaps bring home one or two things.
minima/maxima, a blog about minimalist style
ahhh I am so jealous, I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Las Vegas, please take lots of photos! :) (I hear the food there is just as good as the shopping!)
Deleteoh my... you have just summed up on my entire thinking of shopping in newcastle. beautiful purchase, you have excellent taste.
ReplyDeleteaw thanks! :)
Deletedid you know they're refurbishing that shopping centre that has TKMaxx in the basement? I'm really interested to see what they do with it because it could be lovely!
Lovely lovely print. I adore Liberty prints and have done since I was in 6th form when I bought my first piece of Tana lawn and made myself a dirndl skirt. Still wonder whatever happened to that skirt. I hear the customer service is second to none in John Lewis but unfortunately I've not had the pleasure of that experience as I live miles away from the nearest one. Customer service - I did have a lovely time in Jigsaw on York the other Saturday - the girls in there were lovely, smiley and attentive even though I did not buy anything - it makes such a difference.
ReplyDeleteSue
http://susiesoso.blogspot.co.uk/
ahhh I TOTALLY agree about the Jigsaw in York! I've been in there before and it was totally lovely :) I was sad to see the Jigsaw in Newcastle go, it was a lovely shop. If you ever get the chance, definitely visit John Lewis :)
DeleteOH NO! I remember the Jigsaw shop in Newcastle - I was there about 20 years ago when I stayed with my friend studying up there and I bought a pair of black jeans and a lovely jersey top from there (I am so sad that I can remember details like that). And I remember being taken to Rosies bar too which was an experience. That's probably closed too!
Deleteahh I've never been to Rosie's bar, so I'm not sure if it's still open, I have heard people talk about it though!
DeleteI love the print! Unfortunately, I don't shop much and I actually feel pretty out of place in shops with that kind of super attentive customer service. I'm guessing I've been shopping online for way too long! I think it just makes it so difficult for me to be like, "this makes me look like a football player" when someone is really waiting outside the door--makes me feel awkward when I don't like something! The fact that I shop a lot in the kids section also adds to my awkwardness because I walk right by all these people in the adult section and then have to loot around in the kids section for my size haha!
ReplyDeleteahh yes I agree about the waiting outside the door, I hate that! it's all about striking the balance between attentive and pushy... I feel totally the same about the kids' section - I never know whether I'll be allowed to use their fitting rooms or if I should take it to the adult ones!
DeleteI love this shirt! It's DEFINITELY an investment and I hope you explained that to Bob!
ReplyDeleteI like it when the sales assistants actually care about what they're doing and want to have a chat, tell you about stuff they have in, and actually go into the back and check to see if they do have any more in your size!! It's definitely about getting a happy medium though and not getting someone who's fussy around you too much!
Hannah xxx
raspberrykitsch.blogspot.co.uk
it definitely is, I already wore it to do interviews and felt very nice! :) my mum kindly explained it to Bob when we arrived home haha, she is very jealous of the shirt!
Delete