Topform at Topshop

 Stuck in my office for most part of the last few weeks, pouring over the latest Marketing strategies and social networking tactics; I didn’t have much time for fun and games. Refreshingly so, Saturday rolled around and I had the absolute delight of returning to the relatively new, Topshop at Highpoint on the ‘West Side’. Saturday wasn’t just myself taking a break from everyone; it was a mother and daughter shopping date that included ice cream and pretzels and a hefty credit card bill.

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.