Why do people always recommend personal shopping at John Lewis?

[Nortono]

Who really goes to John Lewis for clothes? Is it because it’s the only place that has a personal shopper?

No idea. I followed a John Lewis shopper on insta and although she seemed a really lovely person her clothes were awful. It became like a hobby seeing if she ever wore a single thing I would buy or I thought suited her.

I went to a personal shopping session at JL and came out with 3 items that I love and wear. None of which I would have picked out for myself.

Perhaps it's people of a certain age.
I'm 58 (a young 58, or at least I like to think I am 😆) and I've been going to a particular JL personal shopper for over 10 years.
She taught me what styles and cuts to look for, what brands suit my size and shape. I think pretty much everything I've bought from a session with her, I have worn and worn (I have a jumper on now that I got from the last session. I get compliments every time I wear it).

I'm not overly confident (particularly when clothes shopping) so this way suits (pardon the pun) me perfectly.

Perhaps it's people of a certain age.

It really isn’t.

I like JL for browsing kitchen equipment - but I cannot think of a single clothing brand I wear that is stocked by them - so their personal shopping service would be entirely useless to me.

You don’t actually need to buy things so it can be useful for figuring what styles and colours suit you, if you’re not sure. You can then go to any shop you like, armed with a little more knowledge.

if you know what suits you and what you like then it’s not of much use. But it’s helpful to people who don’t know where to start.

Partly because thay stock many more brands than a single high street shop,

Maybe I just got lucky, but the lady I had took one look at me and brought me the most perfectly fitting items. I’m a strange size, so I was so impressed.

I haven't used the JL personal shopping service but they stock many brands i like and wear so if i was going somewhere special i might be tempted, I am age 61 if that makes any difference.

Other places have them too. I had a John Lewis one but nothing I like was in stock in my size which put me off a bit. Harrods, Liberty and Fenwick all have them.

I’m late 30s and used a JL personal shopper a couple of years ago. I really liked it, bought items I wouldn’t have tried on and it opened my eyes to more styles that suit me. I am thinking about going again soon.

Had a fantastic session last week for wedding outfits for me(60+) and dd(20+) who hates shopping.
we both ended up with beautiful clothes we would have never tried. Briilliant

But isn't it down to taste? Would what the personal shopper pick be down to what they like on you?

They stock Batsheva, Nobody's Child and Sister Jane. I have bought /will buy those brands - not necessarily from John Lewis. I suspect they will only have a limited stock from these brands but it might be the dress I've got my eye on.

They also stock Hush, Jigsaw, All Saints, Mango , Whistles and Mint Velvet. They're not my thing but they get put forward often enough on here as suggestions.

I'm sure I've seen Ganni, Rixo and Farm Rio in store.

However I don't feel the need for a personal shopper from JL or anywhere else.

I haven't ever used a personal shopper, but I think you have to be open to suggestions. Some people have a very limited idea on what they would wear, and what they think suits them.

But isn't that just the point?
The personal shopper might introduce you to brands and ranges that you haven't come across before or wouldn't normally consider. 😀

Because they stock a wide range of brands, it's as simple as that.

Why do you think it's an odd suggestion?

I had a JL personal shopping appointment to get clothes to go back to work after maternity leave. I left early because she didn’t listen to a word I said and kept bringing things in the wrong size.

That's a real shame Carbis and must have been very frustrating for you.

I once went to a different John Lewis for a change and had a completely different experience (and not in a good way 😏) .

I've not made that mistake again and stick with my local branch now.

I had one recently and it was really disappointing. I asked for “special occasion” and I’m late 50’s but also feel young like you @bananaapplepear

when I arrived she said - “I’ve got everything ready” which put me right off instantly as she had decided what I wanted/ needed without me there. Everything she showed me was hideous polyester floral and I really tried to appreciate her effort and have an open mind. Nothing fitted right and she kept blaming the lack of brands in store. For example JL Oxford st don’t stock any evening wear !

but very ordinary brands

I agree about the stock issue. Our local one doesn’t sell any occasion wear and that’s the colour thing you want them to stock

Never tried PS but like JL clothes due to quality.

Perhaps it's people of a certain age.

If anything, I think JL is strongest for brands that are popular with women aged 35-50ish. They aren't very imaginative about marketing to women who are older, but who like modern brands like Cos, but they also don't really cater to the more traditional older woman market. M&S is much better at selling to all ages, offering traditional styles, but without pigeon-holing all older women into flowery polyester hell.

They stock a range of brands, the service is free and has a reputation for not pushing sales.

When I’ve seen it recommended it’s less often for a specific occasion, more “I’ve lost my way where do I start” so the idea is you can try a range of things that you might not have thought of.

I did it once. It was alright and I tried on a couple of different things but I don’t feel that I learned anything that I wouldn’t have done without it.

Perhaps I should try it again.