Quality and Style at Esprit (Esprit)

Member Name: andyLDN

Product:	Esprit
Date:	02/09/08 (110 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stylish clothes of high quality

Disadvantages: Not particularly cheap

Esprit (French for 'spirit' or 'Enthusiasm') is an international clothing / housewares retailer which started life in San Fransisco during the 1960s. It is currently joint owned by a German and Hong Kong company with headquarters in both countries.

The store has opperations in 44 countries, and is most popular in Germany. Although the brand has always been known in the UK, Esprit has only offered stores here for the past 6 years, of which it has about 40 in cities across the country.

The price level for Esprit is usually above similar retailers such as H&M or Topshop, however the price range is far broader. For example in menswear, you can buy decent quality shirts for £20, and patterned T Shirts for £7-8, but also superior quality shirts and sweatshirts for around £40-80. I have personally started returning to Esprit again and again as I have found the quality is worth paying extra for, and the clothes last and wash well.

The fashion is not cutting edge, but has a classy European feel to it. The clothing is nicely designed and well cut and colours are usually bright.

In the last year, Esprit launched a new teen brand in the UK called EDC, in order to broaden the appeal of the brand with the younger shopper, although I get the impression that the clientel are probably in their teens to mid-thirties mainly.

Although the clothes are more expensive, the quality is good. I would say that Esprit would be a good store to visit doing sale periods, as on my last visit, the reductions were fantastic.

Esprit also have a club-card where you get cashback of 3% on each purchase which can be redeemed after you reach a threshold of 450 points (£4.50) which are valid for a year. These points can be spend in store or online via their e-store.

Summary: Classy clothes, but try and catch the sales for the best deals.