Good customer service is paramount for sellers in an economic climate like ours and British high street retailers are working hard to ensure that your shopping experience is the best it can be, so take advantage.

Despite the current climate conditions I set out to locate the best places to shop within Manchester’s Arndale Centre for the perfect ladies beach look.

First stop, TOPSHOP where I met Jo from the in-house Style Advisor team. Sitting in the altogether rather lovely Style Suite on the second floor of the store, Jo told me that “the Style Advisor Service is basically a personal shopping service ... but it is free and there is no obligation to buy!” A typical appointment is around an hour which begins with a consultation with a Style Advisor. The consultation will endeavour to plan the exact look that the client is looking for, “whether you’re after a wardrobe update" said Jo "or an outfit for a specific event” the team can help. Clients can then take a walk around the store and choose their favourite pieces with the guidance of an Advisor or, Jo continued, “most clients stay in here and let us bring the clothes to them”.

After quizzing her about the current summer trends Jo impressed me with her extensive knowledge of the fabrics, colours and styles that TOPSHOP are currently stocking. Jo told me that the store hosts many of Maxi dresses, “some in jersey fabrics and some in sheer fabrics that are perfect for the beach”. No matter what side of the fence you’re on when it comes to the Maxi dress debate there is no escaping its prominence this season both on the catwalks and on the high street. With great attention to customer service as well as the quality on-trend product we’ve come to expect from TOPSHOP; it would seem that an appointment with Jo and the girls should be on the cards for your summer shopping spree.

Straw hats, whether big, small or Stetson can complete a summer look and are featured among the collections of most high street stores. However, Claire’s Accessories has a wall full at rock bottom prices which would team well with River Island’s delicate circular sun spectacles, shading your eyes without leaving tan lines. 

Sandals were the last on my hypothetical list so I met with April, the shoe department manager for Dorothy Perkins. April informed me that recently “the Shoe Department has been taken over and given a dedicated in store shoe sales team, so customers can now expect guaranteed service and attention”. April walked me through the department and pointed out new ranges that the takeover has benefitted from such as the Black Gardenia going out range and the Belle & Mimi leather range. Focusing on quality leather and timeless styles the Belle & Mimi range includes flip-flop sandals with on-trend ankle cuffs embellished with coral and beads at just £40 in tan, black and white in sizes 3 to 8.

To book an appointment with a TOPSHOP Style Advisor call 0845 129 2926 or e-mail  manchester.style@topshop.com

Words and images by Jordan McDowell.

If you liked this article, you may also like It's High Time for a Low Heel....

Recent comments...

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment.

All comments submitted on this page do not express the views of MFN, we will endeavor to remove any offensive, rude, defamatory comments.