Evans Known Curves (Evans)

Member Name: Krystles

Product:	Evans
Date:	11/04/09 (176 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great range, and quality.

Disadvantages: Can be pricey.

Clothes shopping has always been a somewhat challenging feat given that it has been a long time since I conformed to the 'average size 12'. In recent years, clothes shopping has been an exercise in finding the least tent-like, least frumpy, least grandma-ish attire and hope that it fits within my budget... no easy task! Anyway, here's what I have found with the chain of Evans stores.


RANGE

For me, Evans tick all the boxes in term of range. They have stylish, trendy and well fitting clothes that are not simple larger versions of what the skinny minny shops have in stock. It appears that have actually thought about the practicalities of having a larger bust, curves and frumpy bits that might need hiding. Their range is sensible, practical and most importantly comfortable. I often find their stores stock nice feminine outfits that are womanly, and attractive and just generally give a feel of confidence. There clothes also cater for those who are taller, or alternatively petite.

Their range includes casual wear, work and office wear, underwear, evening and party wear as well as a range of accessories such as belts, bags, and jewellery. Clothes are available from size 16-32, and they also have a range of shoes that are wider fitting (up to EEE). Most of their shoes are flexi-soled as well which in my experience makes them extremely comfortable.


STORE LAYOUT

I find their stores to be very consumer friendly and well organised. Most clothes are placed in sections with similar attire, and they often have displays of outfits which can be made entirely with stock from the store. Although the stores are well designed, my local store has an upstairs which I didn't realise until I'd been shopping there for over 6 months. I thought the stairs lead to a stock or staff room, so was delighted the day I saw shoppers descending, and I discovered a whole other level of items I couldn't afford .

All the stores I have been to have had change rooms, and these have all been of a high quality. They're well lit, have lots of mirrors and are spacious enough to not get claustrophobic. They also provide hooks or shelving for all your bits and pieces, and the staff have always been attentive while I have used their change rooms.


STAFF

I cannot fault Evans on their staff based on my experience. They're always helpful, friendly and attentive without being pushy or intrusive. There's always someone to ask if you have questions, they're happy to make suggestions of clothes that I may not have seen or may have dismissed due to how it appears on the rack. I have been pleasantly surprised several times when trying on tops that their sales staff have suggested are much more flattering when on. Likewise, I have also said on occasion that I'm just browsing and the staff are happy to leave me to it, but always say to call if I need some help. For me they have the perfect balance in their customer service. I also like the fact that I'm yet to be served by a size 8 teenager in Evans. Most of their staff are either slightly older than other high streets, or they have a figure where they can wear a lot of the Evans range, and thus understand what Evans shoppers are looking for.


QUALITY

I'm very surprised to read both on dooyoo and on a couple of forums I frequent, that there are lots of unsatisfied Evans customers who feel that the quality is cheap and nasty, without having a cheap price tag. This has made me check garments more thoroughly before buying, but I'm yet to find any problems with stitching or poor construction. The one flaw I have discovered was a top that was missing a button, and given the way it looked like it had been torn off it was probably a shopper who has snagged it on something while trying it on. I have never been dissatisfied with a product bought from Evans and find them to be of good quality. They last for ages, wash well and don't lose their shape over time. I've never had problems with poor stitching and seams splitting, so maybe I'm just lucky. Until I do experience problems I will continue to shop at Evans.


PRICE

Unfortunately this is the area that Evans fall flat on their face for me. Despite being good quality, I find they're often just out of my budget. I rarely buy full price items from them unless it's for a special occasion or a treat. If I had more disposable income I would be happy to pay full price, but in these tough economic times my budget doesn't often have room for pricey clothes. I have signed up to Evans online newsletter and am often emailed specials which allow me to splurge every now and again.


OVERALL

The only fault I can pick with Evans is their pricing. Otherwise they're a perfect retail outlet that meet my needs entirely. I love browsing through their stores despite often not buying. I no longer have to panic for months before a special occasion about what I'm going to wear as I know I can pop into an Evans and find something that I'll look and feel good in. What more could you ask for in a store?

Summary: Definitely worth a look if you have curves or wobbly bits!