I wandered around Topshop for at least an hour, gathering
items I found appealing and well suited to my body type. However, I was soon
greeted by a friendly (albeit stunning), tiny woman called Faiza, who complimented
the style of boots I was trying on. Faiza wasn’t your usual kind of assistant;
she maintained her own private style and didn’t hammer that usual shop
assistant tone of “Oh my god girlfriend! Those boots are so totally cute! Want
me to put them through for you right away, also would you like to join our
loyalty program?”.
Faiza knew her shoppers; she could see that that like my
Mother who has always, for the record governed high-end style, I liked
shopping. That the experience I desired was different to say someone, who might
look a little lost. Faiza and I got talking, and soon our conversation tipped
it’s hat to my work in fashion and PR. I’m soon asked to skip the gargantuan
line at the main registers and was escorted to the private ‘Personal Shopper’
nook at the back of the store. Topshop know how to possess ‘cool’, they could
practically do it while sleeping. Topshop’s store entrance greets you with a
cool DJ who plays the kind of music you could equal with a top nightclub. The
store is well laid out; Topshop have considered their market well; adding petit
and tall sections (and when you boarder on the smaller, fun size like I do, the
petit section proves simply wonderful; eliminating my trips to the alterations
seamstress).
Faiza then hands me on, to a bubbly, well-dressed and again
very visually striking stylist, ‘Simone’. Simone is busy at first attending to
another personal shopper, but she can ascertain I’m certainly not in a
hurry. While she attends to the shopper;
I soak in the atmosphere. It’s comfortable and elegant, slightly bold but not
bewilderingly so. The room looks like a chic, modern, yet glamorous lounge
room. There are two generously sized dressing rooms; where the assistant
stylists will assist you, provided you need it.
As I am now in the final stages of my Topshop experience,
Simone decides to bring her A-game. Simone, just like Faiza – knows her
clothing, and she knows how I liked to be treated. These women are savvy, and
not in an underhanded or overbearing way.
Simone and I share excited conversation; about trips overseas and the
rag trade. Both girls were utmost professional in their approach, and cleverly
they know they are creating me the ultimate experience. Whilst standing at the
private register, I am asked if I would like to sit down throughout the
transaction (I don’t), instead I converse more with Simone about her experience
in styling. It is evident that Simone knows, as well as I do; of the importance
in individual style.
Upon my farewell, Simone opens up a glass cake tower and
asked me if I would like a cupcake. Figuring that, for research purposes I
should take one I’m spoilt with a chocolate and vanilla crunchy cupcake. It is
the simple things sometimes that excite you. Without going overboard; I was
pleased to be treated the way I was. Topshop staff are consumer focussed, and
for the experience I had; I would certainly return for an afternoon of fun,
stimulating conversation, great clothes and yummy treats.