I have been home sick for two weeks with pneumonia. Strange way to start a fashion column I know, but being home has confirmed my suspicions about the retail experience vs. the online shopping experience.
Here’s the thing, if you need to pick up some type of doodad for the kitchen (say de-boning tweezers for fish) and it’s something you know you need, by all means go online, find them, spend your ten dollars and be done with it. But, alas, if you are in the market for anything fashion related, in particular a gift, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT go online to do so. Go into the stores, have conversations with the owners or sales people, and you will be far better served.
The thing is, shopping should be an experience. You may know your significant other loves dresses or has been looking for a type of pants, but that is the extent of your knowledge. A good sales person will take that information and be able to inform you of the current trends, most likely be able to size it properly based on a photograph on your phone and basically ensure your shopping is seamless, easy and, hey, even fun.
It’s their job to help you and know about fashion trends for this season and what’s coming up next, sizing, what the best fabrics/materials are, etc.
Did you know that slim pants are in fashion right now? Well they are, you know how I know? Because a shop manager told me so, and it’s her job to know — plus, I saw actress Emma Stone wearing some on a talk show yesterday.
I was in New York recently and a salesman at Saks spent 30 minutes selling me on the benefits of a particular tie. It was fantastic. By the end of it, I knew all about his family, why he doesn’t wear as much jewelry as he used to and that he was also an ordained minister — and now I have a cool tie.
With all that said, what are some of the hot fashion items your lady would love to see under the tree this Christmas?
Let’s break it down:
Dresses — Of course she’ll want a dress; it’s the holiday season, so she’ll have lots of parties and fun gatherings for which she can wear it.
Slim pants — We’ve covered this above. With this one, the sales person could make or break you, so make sure you feel confident when dealing with them.
Faux fur — Fun, warm and you won’t have to walk around with a dead raccoon on your neck.
Shoes, boots, shoes, boots — This is a can’t go wrong gift. This year, it’s definitely about the little ankle booties/ankle boots. Flat or with a low block heel, these are the must-have footwear that look so great with pants, skirts and dresses.
So there you have it.
Now that you know what an asset sales people can be, get out there and don’t be shy, remember they are there to help.
Rob Akimow is the Richmond News’ director of advertising
