An old reliable, which stretches across the female market (Dorothy Perkins)

Member Name: bkecky

Product:	Dorothy Perkins
Date:	27/06/09 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good quality and price, good range, something for everyone

Disadvantages: Not a lot really!

Having come from a small town outside of Birmingham, the shops in my town were somewhat limited and Dorothy Perkins is really the only decent clothes shop after New Look. Therefore I have shopped here for years and have seen the way that Dorothy Perkins has evolved its style. The chain is a women's clothing chain, selling clothes, jewellery, accessories, handbags, shoes and lingerie. I usually have very little that is bad to say about the store and it is a rare occasion that I have had to take anything back. Since I was younger they have really changed their market and what was once seen as a middle-aged womans shop has now transformed into a broader market for all ages.

The Dorothy Perkins Range
The clothes are generally high street contemporary fashion but they have lots of basic jeans, t-shirts, suits and trousers that can be worn by anyone of any age. The sizes range from 8-22 so there is something for everyone except the very petite. They also have a petite range with sizes from 4-18, a maternity range and a tall range for 8-22. Being tall, I have experience only with this range and I have to say that sometimes the clothing is rather bland compared to the rest of the store. It is often really big as if all tall people are wide aswell and so the clothes tend to be baggy styles or just plain old boring. One of my favourite parts is the shoes in DP. They have lots of sky scraper heels and at Christmas they really go to town with some beautiful party shoes. At this time they also do a good range of party dresses but I am always wary that someone else will be wearing the same thing. The handbags range from casual to beach to evening and I have had a couple that I have used for years and are still in good condition. My last handbag I bought is the one I used most days and have done since before Christmas and there is not a single thing I could fault about it. Not a stitch has come undone. There are a few brands in the shop: Fiorelli, Uttam London, Suzy Smith, Vila, Vero Moda, tfnc and Max C. Although more pricey there is less chance of having the same as another person and they are usually of more fashionable design. There is also a Woodland Trust range of t-shirts that gives £5 to the charity with every purchase. So its nice to know that they are doing their bit for the environment.

Prices
The prices are reasonable in comparison to quality and you can pick up a dress for around £30-£40 on average. The basics that you can buy are usuaslly very well priced and there is usually some sort of buy two get one free offer on basic t-shirts, which is always useful for the summer holidays. A pair of high heels will cost you about £40 and a pair of pumps is on average about £15. The only price issue that I have is that the jewellery is quite expensive for what it is and I find paying the same amount for a shirt as for a pair of earrings a bit of an odd ratio, especially if the jewellery is plastic. There is usually some sort of sale going on, even if it is not sale season and the buy one get one free offers are great if you be bothered to trawl through the sizes and through the scrap. Online there are usually good discounts and currently there is an up to 70% sale.

Store locations
Most major cities and towns have a DP so you are never far away from one and with being able to order online you can access the range from anywhere you are and can even return your online purchases to a nearby store. With over 600 stores in the UK you can sure there is one nearby that is accessible to you.

Dorothy Perkins Account Card
Everytime I go to pay, I always get asked if I want an account card. The answer is always the same yet I always have to endure the rehearsed pitch of how much I would save on that day. Slightly annoying but here's a few details on the card. You receive £500 credit, 56 days interest free credit, 20% off on VIP days and free online delivery. That and a lot of emails with offers. Gift cards are also available in store.

Sales Staff
The sales staff are usually very competent and helpful and whenever I have asked a question they have always been able to answer and even advise on current trends or what to wear with what. A while ago I really liked something but was not sure what I could wear with it and the staff were more than happy to point me in the right direction. They are also very helpful with things that are out of stock and will happily order you something in or call to enquire about a purchase for you.

Problems Encountered
As I mentioned there is rarely a problem. The only problem I have had is with sizes being put on the wrong hangers but this was only once and the exchange was quick and easy and this was probably my fault for not checking. Another slight fault was that I once bought a pair of earrings and lost one and when i went back they only had the silver version so I asked if they had them still in gold and the assistant said that actually the jewellery is done by a different company who stocks the jewellery and they didn't know if they would have any more or even that they were available in gold. Just a slight grumble though and she made no effort to ask another member of staff or to call the company who stock them to enquire. I also find the sizes a little generous but actually being a little heavy on top this suits me well as the dresses fit me although this is dependent on your body shape.

Conclusion
Overall i find Dorothy perkins a reliable store that I can trust on pricing and quality. They don't sell the most cutting edge fashion and sometimes it is a little bland but I can usually find something I like in there and it is fantastic for the basics for your holidays or a bag that will go with everything. There is a lot of young things but for older people it is still possible to find clothes without looking like "mutton dressed as lamb". My grandma and mother shop in there regularly and somehow DP manages to stock clothes that look fashionable on a younger person but smart on an older person too. The accessories range is brilliant and there is always something for every occasion. I would recommend this shop to anyone as there is something for everyones taste no matter what your taste or size or for whatever occasion you are buying for, be it work, your holidays, everyday casuals or a party.

Summary: My first stop for summer, winter, a party and work!