STATUS SHOPPING.

The route we have taken for the theme of our blog is based on status shopping.
We have focused on how the shops influence their customers through what their status is and how the shops differ in consumer style.
We have grouped the shops into sub-groups of 'intellectual', 'elitist', 'commercial', and 'creative'.
We have researched links between these shops and sub-groups to reveal status associated shopping and how it relates to ideal lifestyles.

Intellectual

Intellectual status is shops that appeal to the under stated consumer who already knows what they are looking for. Located in areas hidden away from the main high streets and interiors that could be likened to an exhibition space. 

B store

Located in Saville Row, B store differs to its neighbours as it has an eclectic mix of fixtures and fittings to compliment the indie vibe. Like Acne they have their own in store magazine which appeals to students and gives them an arty edge.

Dover Street Market

A fun and modern space appealing to a regular clientele. The store has a modern and minimalist feel which goes with the atmosphere of being privileged to shop here. Spread across four floors, designer brands such as Erdem, Alexander Wang and Christopher Kane; customers browse through 

 Acne

Having simple window displays which relate to the store doubling up as an exhibition space, they appeal to art and fashion inspired customers who shop in Acne read the Acne paper.

Liberty

This store is a contradiction to other shops featured in this group as it has all the characteristics as in the designers, appearance and influence but it is also a destination for tourists and commercial shoppers because of its reputation.



Browns Focus

Browns Focus is the sleek and glossy sister boutique of a more classically based browns. This store will appeal to a younger generation of fashion aficionados, due to the well-chosen and laid out stock. With a host of up and coming designers as well as familiar names this is defiantly a place to at least browse in.

Oxfam Boutique

Though the use of the word “boutique” suggests a lot, it is still a charity shop at heart, and customers still have a feel good attitude to buying here. The pieces in this store are far more considered then any regular Oxfam and that is reflected in the price. As with all charity shops the menswear is limited so this would be more appealing to women with a social conscience but who still wants cheaper high end brands.

Elitist

Like the intellectual customer, the elitist customer too longs to be a part of a fashionable social circle. However this person appears less pretentious and making different lifestyle choices priding itself on visiting more unknown fashion coves to create a unique identity. 

Labour of love

 

The initial connotations of this shop would be that of the ones which hit you upon exiting the tube station. But do not let this put you off- Labour of Love is in fact located in the more ‘upper’ end of upper street-in between two Starbucks’, doting this part of the street ‘cool’ territory. Labour of love has a mixture of both upper end designers such as Peter Jensen who also sells in B Store, as well as their own label and sale items. The shop has a nostalgic, kitsch feel about it, also selling jewellery and gifts.

Sefton

This menswear competitor of neighbouring Labour of Love has a more clean, neutral interior- perhaps to match the coldness of the staff. Tailoring to the crossover between the modern indie boy and the mature suited man, the shop attracts a fashion inspired male for a very smart casual aesthetic.

Matches

Buried amongst  Notting Hill’s jungle of high end brands, Matches contains a wide variety of  its own, both womenswear and menswear included. The creative interior is split into several ‘coves’, which allows the customer to browse effectively. The friendly staff allow for a unique personalised shopping experience for customers with a specific  interest in fashion designers.

Oliver Bonus

These multi-stockists of fashion, homeware and jewellery add a further dimension of exclusive status that can appeal to customers throughout the UK as their shops are located adequately. However, their clientele still consists of those who want to prove their cultural side, as well as their flourishing bank account.

Browns

The more conventional of the Browns/ Browns Focus duo, this boutique appeals to the returning customer for well established designers and wardrobe staples. Unlike its intellectual rivals, Browns is located off consumerist Oxford Street, the boutique is easily accessible, attracting passers by and loyal customers alike.

Commercial status is about trying to be glamorous with big window displays attracting tourists and a high amount of customers. These shops relate to high street shopping and are more common.



Selfridges

Selfridges is an iconic building that wants to make you feel like you've had a genuinely good shopping experience. Its big window displays with merchandise attract tourists, designers, fashionistas and new customers who would potentially want to come back again and again. Inside you will first come across make up and perfume counters and accessories sections before you get to the main sections of clothes to really delve in.



Topshop

On trend, nationwide, high street fashion emporium with a busy and thriving client base of young fashion conscious girls. Sadly a lot of the stock is strewn across the floor in customers mad dash to grab the must have piece of the week, which can make it hard to find exactly what you need but if you are looking to spend a little more money on something that is widely accessible, though not as commercial as some of the Topshop stock then go to the in store boutique, with an ever flowing stream of designer collaborations that will appeal to the more mature and fashion aware Topshop shopper.

Urban Outfitters

This american brand originally appealed to university students as "The Free People's Store"- a place to get everything they needed, from fashion to accessories to books. Though their intentions are not immediately apparent, the odd yet marketable interior along with it's growing 'urban' clientele allows the shop to maintain it's position in the commercial market, appealing to those who wish to display their inner uniqueness.

Creative status is all about trying to be an individual. This type of consumer looks for one-off designs and the odd bargain and are generally young, inventive and inspired.  The shops in this group are classed as vintage.

Beyond Retro

With a laid back vibe and perhaps jumble sale feel, Beyond Retro is packed with a young imaginative crowd. Located away from the main tourist areas such as Oxford Street, clientele are forced to seek out the shop and rummage through racks of clothes, shoes and accessories; creating individual, artistic looks for themselves.

Blitz

Located on Brick Lane, Blitz has a very similar clientele to Beyond Retro; young creatives wanting to establish themselves as individuals. This time the shop has a more organised feel about it, split in to several neat sections and also exploring the idea of retro home-ware. The student types visiting these shops may occassionally stray to more upper classed indie shops such as B-Store; not necessarily to shop but for further inspiration.

Absolute Vintage

This warehouse store is a treasure trove of vintage beauties from the very simple little black dress to Chanel handbags they have something for everyone, with an extremely helpful colour coded system you will always be able to see where you will find what you are looking for, just be prepared to search through lots of stock before you find it.