River Island - final score: 35/40
Map: Click here to find this store. Score last season: 28 Verdict: Value has been added via design and mega merchandising. Footwear is no
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Looks - 9Everything here is a statement, from metallic gladiator sandals on a wooden construction to covered platform peep toes, stone-coloured peep-toe ankle boots, black and gold double-layer platforms, grey snake and patent shoe boots, jelly shoes and Hessian-heeled tribal wedges. Men get rainbow-bright high tops, side-laced canvas pumps, purple and grey suede boots alongside pointed last formals. | Mix - 8Fashion dominates the women's offer with just a sprinkling of seasonal essentials such as ballerinas and a version of the Ugg. Sexy ultra-high heels are the order of the day and each shoe far exceeds its price tag for design content. The men's offer is 60/40 casual to formal. There is a wall and a freestanding unit of cheaper hanging product, while formals are displayed more traditionally on shelves. |
Store - 9There is a clever use of props such as a hanging punch bag which is covered in belts and shoes hanging by their laces, and turf-topped display tables which intersperse footwear with footballs in the men's department. The women's department is well lit and the use of embossed black wallpaper gives a luxurious boutique feel. Footwear is prominently displayed in the windows and merchandised within clothing around the store. | Value - 9River Island beats Topshop hands down on value, purely because there is added value in every one of its lines. A distressed metallic gladiator chunky wooden platform is just £40 while a strappy pink peep toe shoe with sculpted heel is just £55. Double-layered cut-in platforms are £70. A men's purple canvas and grey suede ankle boot has a neon sole and is £27. A clear message to the competition: must try harder. |
Vox pop: Olivia Gibson, 21, teacher
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Address: 301 Oxford Street
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