TO those of us on the wrong side of the mandatory size 10, the communal dressing room on a Saturday afternoon in the high street can prove a little daunting. As we haul ourselves in and out of ill-fitting garments and plod out to the rails to find something more becoming, the shopping trip at this point may become slightly fraught. Well meaning shop assistants are only human and can sometimes seem a bit indifferent to our plight. Exasperation is often mutual.
Although high street chain stores continue to report favourable profit margins, independent shops are doing equally well. Thirtysomethings may recall the trendy boutique of the seventies - a favourite haunt of those residing in the TV comedy Man About The House but independent outlets are still alive and well and are catering for today's market.
Offering a more personalised service, shoppers can enjoy one-to-one attention without feeling the pressure to buy. Browsers are made to feel welcome and advice is always at hand.
With a carefully selected range of clothing, retailers can always offer something a little bit different. Whereas the multiple stores can sometimes seem a little uniform in the selection on their rails upon rails, the local dress shop usually has something unique.
Says independent shop owner Judy McMurray: ''We are able to offer a wider variety of colours and styles. Although black is always popular among younger people, the independents will not be afraid to stock a wider variety of colours and styles to suit all figure types. We offer attention on a one-to-one basis and will help customers achieve a unique look.
''We know our customers and their tastes. Often we know their wardrobe inside out and can assist in building on it with accessories and the like. We are on first name terms with many of our customers and are happy when they return time and time again.
''It is important for our survival to make our customers feel special. We don't mind taking hems up and making the odd tuck here and there.''
According to McMurray, styles this summer are very much predominated by sand, gold and moss colours with animal prints always popular. ''Anything a little different and slightly sporty is selling well, such as check trousers. indeed trouser suits in general are making a huge comeback.
''However, floaty, drapey materials, such as chiffon, are very much in this summer, particularly in turquoise and ocean blue.''
Looking ahead to autumn we can expect to see a mixture of colours - from reds, browns, camels and aubergines. However, grey is really the colour to look out for, particularly for those seeking the executive look.
Jackets are longer with an emphasis on tailoring. Retailers are buying stock in soft, easycare fabrics designed for comfort.
Assistants in independent stores will be happy to advise the customer on accessories. Indeed, their concern for detail approaches a laudably long suffering attention to the customer's needs.
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