TOURISTS AND TEMPTATIONS.

I had been meaning to start this blog for a while but it was also a requirement for my Summer University project and in concern to starting my second year at uni I really want to prepare myself so I braved Oxford Street. Many people reading will laugh and question what I mean but you have to understand I avoid Oxford Street like its going out of fashion( its not). Simply because I cant handle the tourists and the temptations. 


I went for the day to carry out some research, something Mary Portas would do on a regular basis to stay top of her game, the ironic thing was ,i was heading to Oxford Street to research her and her new brand Mary for House Of Fraser. 


Mary has very much put herself in the spotlight with this new venture and can only greet criticism kindly after her very openly opinionated career.

Any interview you read by Mary before the opening she explained how the staff had been specially picked and trained by herself. Walking onto the shop floor I expected this to show immediately but NO I was left to wander around without even a hello. The outside window states 'for women not girls' but just becuase im obviously classed as a girl in their eyes I SHOULDNT BE IGNORED!! 

 a army of Mary mannequins  all sporting the famous Red heads crop greet you as you exit from the express Mary lift. Orange is a constant reminder that this isn't just a department store within a department store it is Mary's Brand

This is yet another example of needing to have friends in the right places . Mary secured multiple collaborations with famous brands to bring in the customers.

All about the Visual Merchandising, another Mary Manequin suspended from a library ladder (unable to help you reach that pair of Clarks shoes but she looks great)

More randomly alonside the selection of clothes she offers candles, housewares and  hand crafted cards.......all again beautiful but slightly RANDOM in my mind.

My opinion : aside from the customer service (I can only put down to me not being their target age (not an excuse I find acceptable)) It was GREAT , True to Marys form she doest lie it isn't for girls it is for women and the selection of products is amazing ,the perfect one stop shop for the Fashion confused busy lady. She has targeted a market that is always highlighted for being left out of the retail world so can thank the bosses of the high street stores that ignore these 40 something women for the high demand and also most notably the collaborations with famous brands that take up the majority of her stock for its success. 


Karma is a bitch but for Mary I don't think it is going to come around and bite her, it was a big risk but I believe it is a risk she has got away with... will this be the first concession of many Mary stores ,who knows ??