What????

The beginning...

For this unit I am creating a Reflective Journal and Blog on Store Management. I have already decided that my chosen method of Journal writing is through a book with both writing and images, I chose this as I have written this way before and I enjoy this outlet as a way of expressing my thoughts.

My next obstacle was deciding which shop/ store to focus my work on. I knew I wanted to look at denim wear, as it is a product of interest to me and also very different to what I looked at for Fashion Cycle, but I wasn't sure which store to research.

Yesterday I took a walk around West Quay Shopping Centre walking around the stores, looking at how shops display their denim wear. A store that stood out to me was Next, which had a clear section for their denim wear, wall space taken up with jeans, and differently shaped racks for dresses, skirts, shirts, jeggings etc.

I felt that for Next, the way they hung their jeans was different for them: folded in half over the hanger then folded back and hung by the belt loop, and I liked the look as it was more interesting and eye catching than simply hanging them with a clip hanger, which I remember they generally do, as saw some other jeans in other sections of the store hung this way. I wanted to take a photograph with my camera phone, but a store assistant appeared to re-stock the section and created a slight atmosphere of tension through looking at me every few moments or so. I felt uncomfortable so didn't attempt the photo. I plan to return to the store to take my photo, but next time I may look for a store assistant who appears more approachable, and introduce myself before taking the photo.

Now I needed to choose a competitor. I was unsure of who to choose as a competitor as they have such a vast target market. So I asked the advice of Emma, who suggested French Connection. I have looked on their website, and like the look of their denim wear, and after only a brief look their website already looks much more interesting than Next's so I feel French Connection may be a good competitor for comparison.

My next step is to visit French Connection, and get those photos!!!!!!