Types of store

Boutiques

A boutique is a small shop that sells unique clothing and accessories. They have specialised customers as the products are generally rather quirky and different. An example of a boutique that has several stores in the UK is Anna Park's boutiques. The store on Primrose Hill opened in 1997 and was her first to open in London. It was the only womenswear store in the area at the time and expresses her passion for colour and print. Anna is known for having a  good eye for fashion and she now stocks labels such as Orla Kiely, Odd Molly, Maison Scotch and Anya Hindmarch. The boutiques sell unique products that are one of a kind to the store. For example, Phillipe Model's scuffed glitter trainers or an Anya Hindmarch clutch.   
            


Anna's boutique  on Primrose Hill



Inside the boutique

              

Department stores

 

A department store is a large shop stocking a variety of goods in different departments such as beauty, fashion, accessories and home ware. There are lots of popular examples of department stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser, Harrods, John Lewis and Selfridges. Selfridges is an up-market store that is always decorated in extravagant ways with amazing window displays and interesting use of props. There are several stores in the UK located in London, Manchester and Birmingham. The displays always take advantage of the festive season and create their own themes throughout the year as well. 

 
 

Selfidges London Christmas lights

 

Selfridges Christmas window display

 
 

Haute Couture

 

A haute couture store sells expensive, fashionable clothing produced by leading fashion houses. The clothing is more tailored which makes it more expensive and has a specialised customer. Examples of these are Dior, Chanel and Valentino. Their store designs generally make the shops look exclusive and the window displays and interior design is always very elegant and classy. These leading fashion houses have opened stores all over the world and have become extremely popular.

Dior Paris store Christmas display 2013

Chanel Bond Street Store

Valentino store in Florence
 
 



 

Pret a porter

 

A pret a porter store is the same as ready to wear but for designer clothing. The clothes are ready to wear as they are not made to measure. An example of this is Vivienne Westwood who is a very famous fashion label that has opened stores worldwide.

 

 

Vivienne Westwood store in Cardiff

 

Cardiff store interior



Vivienne Westwood store in Bangkok



 

Ready to wear

 

Ready to wear stores are those that sell high street clothing. Some examples of these are H and M, Topshop, Primark and River Island. These stores have all become increasingly popular and have opened stores internationally.  

 

New York Topshop store interior

Marylebone, London River Island store

Oxford Street, London Primark store
 
 
 

 

 

Pop up shop

 

A pop up shop is a temporary store that is opened to take advantage of a certain trend or product. They can vary from a stall, market stall or seasonal store and can be created by any brand or designer.

H and M pop up shop on the beach in Schevenigen

Ebay Christmas pop up shop in Covent Garden, London

 

Market stall

 

A market stall is a mobile unit that is usually opened at regular intervals. They are often used at events or occasions. Some markets become popular throughout the nation and make individual stalls have a larger customer bracket. For example, Camden market has become increasingly popular and is now a tourist attraction for people visiting London.

 

Tourist attraction Camden Market

One of many popular stalls at Camden Market

 

Vintage store

 

A vintage store is one that sells used clothing items and accessories that are at least 10 years old. You can usually find items from each decade in these stores. Some vintage stores have become a popular name across the UK, especially those situated in London. Brick Lane is home to various vintage stores such as Rokit, Blitz, Beyond Retro and Hunky Dory. The strip is now known for its vintage items and tourists often visit in hope to find unique pieces.

 

 

 

Rokit vintage store interior

 

Hunky Dory vintage store

Beyond Retro vintage store