Sarah Soos: Personal Shopper

Some people have a pre-conceived idea of what Personal Shopping is. For me, the best bit is helping people – both men and women – watching them experience the confidence boost that a wardrobe ‘tszuj’ can give. It really is so satisfying.

Before I meet a client in the Village, we have a long chat about what they are looking for. It can be for a whole host of reasons – not just a work wardrobe or special occasion. I start to make notes on the brands that are a likely match and liaise with the branch staff to see what new stock has come in.

We have 136 brands and stock is updated daily, so doing my homework is vital to the success of the day. I book Hands Free Shopping so that everything is taken back to the central reception for collection at the end – it’s the little things that help make the day more pleasurable and reduce any unnecessary tension

We want to make sure the customer returns so that if they do have a special occasion in the future, we can help. The joy is, I will already have a good idea what they will like. Brides often come with their mums to find a going away outfit and honeymoon clothes, and at the moment we are very busy with Royal Ascot looming and friends coming in together to make a day of it.

It is lovely receiving letters saying the experience has changed their lives, however, I don’t think of it as life changing – I see it as confidence giving.  Every client has a different goal and everyone is different in terms of shape and taste. It is lovely seeing a new mum feel good when their body might not be what it used to be and I also help with a bit of styling. Having worked in London for years, I can suggest fabulous people for hair, make-up, nails as well as alterations or shoe dyeing.

If I’m with a client, we may stop at one of the lovely restaurants here, we are lucky to have Soho Farmhouse, Le Pain Quotidien and Villandry and I have to confess, I do have a slight Itsu habit!

I work a lot of weekends but when at home, I love pottering in the garden at my cottage and now I’m enjoying the lighter evenings. On a work night, I will probably flop on the sofa having been on my feet all day and enjoy a box set binge. It’s lights out at 11pm usually and I nod off visualising the route for tomorrow’s client.

READER OFFER: Discover the ultimate luxury shopping experience at designer outlet shopping destination, Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, with a complimentary Personal Shopper.

We’ve experienced the team in action and it really is a fabulous way to shop. Your Personal Shopper will guide you around the Village, update you on what new stock is in and help mix and match your purchases to make the most of the 136 brands on site.

To book your complimentary Personal Shopper, email MMessage@ValueRetail.com or call 01869 250727 and quote The Gaitpost to verify your place. We’d love to hear how you get on!

Visit www.bicestervillage.com for a full brand directory