Tuesday 17 July 2012

FOREVER 21 IS COMING TO TOWN

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For as long as I've lived in Manchester rumours of a Forever 21 opening have flown around fashion circles. It's going to be in the old Schuh on Market Street! No, in the Arndale! Forever 21 are very fussy about their stores - the size, particularly - so when two units totalling 20,000 square feet became available in the Trafford Centre they snapped them up.

The wait is nearly over with the store opening this Saturday at 10am (the 21st, natch) and although I predict scenes akin to a One Direction meet and greet, it'll be worth it as the first 300 customers through the door will get a gift card. 

I got the chance to visit the Oxford Street store to get a feel for the brand before the grand Trafford Centre opening. I was expecting a stark Primark-esque space with clothes in piles on the floor and women changing in the aisles - but actually it is much calmer, with excellent retail standards - meaning it's easier to find your size - and cute vintage-inspired installations. It's easier to shop in-store as everything is merchandised into packages; I find the website totally overwhelming, with 900 dresses to scroll through and no indication of style, shape, or pattern. Yes, it's busy - it is Oxford Street after all - but the store is so big that you never feel claustrophobic. 

Forever 21 will never fill my wardrobe simply because I like unique pieces too much for that, but their clothes complement my vintage/DIY/hippy market wardrobe perfectly; I have some lovely pieces to show off from my visit, including an expensive-looking maxi skirt and some very Marant-ish wedge sandals. It's a pleasant shopping experience and although I don't have the guts or patience to go this Saturday, I will be visiting again!

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See some other bloggers views of Forever 21, with gorgeous photos: English Rose from Manchester, Kisses and Cross Stitches, Fashion-fade & The Quick Red Fox.

13 comments:

  1. I found the Oxford street small a bit lacking compared to westfields or the bullring one! Which surprised me I thought it would be twice the size and twice as good.

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  2. See, I've never been to any of them before! So this was very exciting. I did go to the toilet in Westfield the other day though so at least I have finally been there.

    Reckon the Traff's is going to be enormous as it's the old Superdrug & WH Smith's together.
    X

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  3. I am very excited for this. I went to the Birmingham one last year and loved it!
    xo

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    1. ooh, if you aren't in work on Saturday you should go down and get a gift card, will be perfect for your festival buys!
      X

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  4. I'm quite gutted it's opening in the Trafford Centre as it's not easily accessible for me, so I reckon the London branches will still be my regular haunt! xx

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  5. I'm so looking forward to this opening, I went to the Oxford Street store last year and was really impressed. Going to make a little trip to The Trafford Centre after payday! x

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  6. Great photographs, about time you got one in Manc!!

    Drea @ Drea's Junkyard

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  7. My best friend Ben is the VM for F21 and he has been busy fitting the Trafford store! Coinky dink. xx

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  8. hahaa I totally didn't clock the 21st tie-in! You got some great photos! xxx

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  9. Great post Sarah - thanks for the mention! Hopefully see you soon xx

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  10. Ok, totally freaky stalkery moment here but am I right in thinking you were in livejournal club circa 2004? if so, HI! I was chaosisme (sara) and had zillions of other various identities. Your blog looks pretty fun and it's nice to find other people over the shocking age of 25. FOLLOWING! x

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    1. Hahaha, YES! This blog is just a continuation of my LiveJournal basically. Nice to find you again! I'm off to follow yours.. X

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  11. ooo the wedges are lovely!!
    been eyeing them up.

    J x

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