Welcome to the fashion fairground! The carnivalesque windows of Glassons flagship store in the old Hallensteins store on Broadway set the tone for a sense of fun and a new "shopping experience" at a level above what you’d expect…
Welcome to the fashion fairground! The carnivalesque windows of Glassons flagship store in the old Hallensteins store on Broadway set the tone for a sense of fun and a new "shopping experience" at a level above what you’d expect…
There is no way you are going to miss the new Glassons Flagship store on Broadway Newmarket. Really, you just can’t!
The sheer size of the thing makes that impossible, and the front window, and the sense of fun just oozing out of it. A wet and rainy Friday afternoon was just the perfect time to open, as I think we all could have done with a pick me up. And an instant pick me up it most certainly is.
Below: the storefront window showed the strong Fashion Fairground theme, and nearby a 1940s paperboy called out to shoppers walking along Broadway.
A DJ spun tracks for shoppers on opening day and the Fashion Fairground visual branding carried through to the talent in costume indoors.
Inside, there’s a gorgeous black and white tiled floor, big wide glossy front counter, crystal light shades (we loved those), and beautiful candyfloss pink changing rooms. The first thing that strikes you is that it is a huge space, and yet you don’t feel squished in. There is plenty of room to wander and look at the clothes. Amazingly, this store employs a full-time stylist just to dress the mannequins in their various stories.
Below: fashion marionnettes with strings attached. Baskets hold just a few bracelets for a boutique experience, rather than having hundreds of identical items on display.
As well as the standard Glassons fare (all divided up into ‘stories’), there are a few new labels: Buttons and Bows, a limited edition boutique label displayed on pastel blue wooden hangers, Levi’s Heritage and from the UK, Rare. All these labels are slightly more expensive than the standard range, but still very price competitive.
The store is also carrying the first of the summer swimwear, and we ‘spotted’ a navy and white polka dotted, 50’s inspired bikini (very Katy Perry) that we loved.
The store has two surprising extras though. It has the in-store hair salon Pony Xpress from Blaze salon. You will be able to have one of eight hairstyles blow waved to perfection for that special occasion (or just because you want to!) You just need to come in with clean hair, and they will do the rest. It takes thirty minutes and costs $35 on dry hair or a wash and blow dry from $45.
Another service exclusive to the Broadway flagship is The Stylist. Two days a week there will be a stylist available to assist shoppers with their fashion decisions. You can make a booking and come in to get a bit of help, at no charge! It doesn’t matter if you re wanting to spend $20 or $200. It is worth it to book, just so you get to see the charming stylist’s room!
Speaking of rooms – the changing rooms are a sight to behold with their huge pink doors and chartreuse velvet couch right in the middle. There is also a waiting room outside for those of the male persuasion.
The make-up tier.
The girls homeware and gift range called Foxtails Fairytales used to be available just at Christmas but at this store it will be stocked all year round.
Find it annoying when you can’t get service? The store will have an incredible twenty sales assistants on at once, serving and restocking the shelves so any unpurchased clothes don’t get stuck in the changing room area.
So if you have money burning a hole in your pocket (and it doesn’t need to be much), then this is the place to head, and I promise you will be feeling happier by the time you leave with your purchase, and a smile on your face.
By Anya Brighouse and Megan Robinson, 19 August 2010.
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