Yesterday I went to the city to experience the grand opening of
Topshop's first US store. I went because I write about "fashion for all," and Topshop has the reputation of being THE fashion destination on the British high street, blending cutting edge style with purse-friendly prices. Unfortunately, the prices are anything but cheap. Topshop is not affordable and the prices are completely unreasonable. I knew Topshop was pricy from their online shop but I was hoping that once they opened a store on this side of the pond, the prices would reflect the needs of their American audience. I was sadly mistaken. Another blogger I had lunch with later told me many items in the store were actually
cheaper online.
(KEEP READING FOR MORE PHOTOS)
The cheapest thing I could find was tights, one pair cost $18. I also found a ring for $22. And that was it for "budget friendly," most bracelets cost $50 and over; statement necklaces cost upwards of $100; handbags averaged $150; all the dresses I picked up were $80 and over. Don't get me wrong, it was all fabulous and unique-looking, but I couldn't tell what made these items different or better than some of the stuff you see at H&M or Forever 21. I guess we all know it's image and perception. Stores will charge as much as customers are willing to pay. Price tags have little or nothing to do with the intrinsic value of a product. So if throngs of girls are going ga-ga for Topshop and are willing to throw their credit cards at the register, then they can easily keep charges these prices. Time will tell.
I succumbed to the effects of the Topshop Kool-Aid myself and purchased an $80 jean jacket and $55 black pencil skirt. Ouch. At least I convinced myself that these were classic pieces I could wear for years. Besides, I couldn't come home empty handed, not after waiting 2 hours to get in, right? And I had to show you guys something, too, right? (Pics to come, I promise.) And I needed the "free" reusable tote bag that comes with every purchase, right? Cuz it says Topshop. Of course.
What else... I saw a beige $400 trench coat that was nothing special. Sequinned leggings were $80. An embellished loose-knit sweater was $110. Shoes. The shoes! The parlor was dreamy but to be honest, a lot of the shoe styles were really awful. And why so expensive? Just because they're displayed nicely and because one could justify that they cost less than a pair of YSL Tributes? I would have loved the shoes when I was 18 but I wouldn't have been able to afford them back then anyways.
In conclusion... I'm glad I went, I had a blast, and I definitely recommend paying Topshop a visit next time you're shopping on Broadway because it's amazing to behold, and who knows, you might find something fantastic that sets your heart aflutter. But don't go overboard, just add Topshop to your running list of fun places to explore fashion right after H&M, Uniqlo, etc. etc.
I agree with Emily that it may be worth for some really gorgeous items (I think Topshop makes the most adorable dresses) but not for most. When I was in London, the store was still really expensive, even though that was their home turf (exchange rate didn't help either) and that was 4 years ago!
I guess it could be like the Mango syndrome. I snap up their stuff like crazy when I am in Spain but in North America, it's just too expensive :S
I'm going back to H&M and stores with better values and more plentiful stock of the goods as ADVERTISED for sale.