BROWNS

Fact -     Browns is an independent fashion boutique in London

-         Founded by Joan Burstein and husband Sydney in 1970.

-         The flagship store on London's South Molton Street

-         Famous for its long window displays

-         One store expanding through five inter-connecting townhouses

First Thoughts: -
              -         Seemed a bit of a mature store

-         Not very busy and not many people in the store.

-         Sales assistant spoke to me and told me that clients can spend up to £40-£4,000 daily!

-         Target market – those with a bit of cash!

-         Selling all high fashion pieces; including womenswear fashion, jewellery, magazines, perfumery, shoes and accessories.

-         Staff seemed a bit friendly, although they knew I wasn’t going to buy anything. Only one woman was a bit rude and asked it if I didn’t bother her customers. Gosh!

COMPARED TO OTHER STORES: -

• Topshop - Browns sell only designer clothes and their target market ranges from 20-70. Whereas topshop clients seem to be much younger and edgier. You might find a topshop shopper at Browns focus rather than Browns as it sells much edgier younger fashion.
• Bluebird - Browns has a less creative look to Bluebird, as their store was originally an old art deco building. Bluebird is very much a concept store, whereas Browns mainly just sells high fashion pieces. I don't think Browns and Bluebird would have the same clients. Browns seems to give off a much more mature feel.
• Hoxton Boutique -Browns sells all well known designers, where as Hoxton Boutique aims to sell the most unique and creative designers' work. Browns is a large store situated in house like aesthetic with some decorative walls, whereas Hoxton Boutique is a smaller gallery like store, with mainly white walls. It is unlikely that you will get similar clients shopping in both of these shops, as Hoxton Boutique's target market seems a lot younger and edgier than Browns' ideal client.