Boux Avenue Arrives at Manchester Arndale
Last Thursday morning an unexpected child-free few hours saw me head into Manchester for a very exciting opening - that of the 20th Boux Avenue store to open in the UK. Manchester Arndale sees Boux Avenue's second store to arrive there (they opened in the Trafford Centre a while ago), and it's in a fabulous location. As I was discussing with a couple of other bloggers at the event, it's on the way from River Island to Top Shop on the upper concourse. You really can't miss it. Not only is it in a prime spot the store looks absolutely beautiful, you'll struggle to walk past.
Boux Avenue is an expanding chain of lingerie stores owned by entrepreneur, and star of Dragon's Den, Theo Paphitis. The stores are beautifully designed and the brand new Arndale store is definitely no exception. From the beautiful light fittings to the elegant, boutique-style displays, the store gives the impression of holding contents that cost a lot more than they actually do. If your size isn't hanging on the racks then simply find the drawer beneath marked with your back size and locate the correct bra inside.
I was really pleased to see the extensive range of sizes in store - they stock from size 6 up to size 20, with bra sizing from 30A to 40H, much more inclusive than many lingerie ranges and great for me. I've been a fan of the Boux Avenue Multiway bras for a little while now and I was rather excited to see a beautiful deep red version of it on sale that would look perfect with a few strappy tops I have at home. The Boux Belles offer a free bra fitting service so, if you're not sure of your size it is a very good idea to book in to find out your correct size.
Boux Avenue is particularly strong for pyjamas and loungewear. I'm a huge fan of a good pair of PJs and I'll be adding a Boux Avenue pair to my Christmas list I think. They have some terrific offers in store at the moment including buy one get one free on bagged pyjamas, which would be a simple and easy way to solve some of those gift-buying issues at the moment. If you don't fancy buying PJs then check out the Boux Avenue table tops which are stacked with their beautiful range of gifts, from fur-toed mules, to sequinned purses; from fur-lined slipper boots to a beautifully scented range of Christmas candles and accessories there really is something for every lady in your life. My goodie bag contained the snuggliest pair of woolly socks I've ever worn and I think I will be returning to Boux Avenue to purchase a few more in the run up to Christmas.
The Boux Belles were out in force and I took the opportunity to chat to a few of them. When a store opens they assemble a team from other stores to help out with the set up and the opening so I met staff from the Metrocentre and Trafford Centre stores as well as the new Arndale girls. I love that the Boux Belles are encouraged to accessorise their classic black dresses with their own personal style and it's amazing how different they can look.
I had to leave before Theo Paphitis performed the official opening of the store, and sadly I didn't get a chance to have a chat with him as he was busy being interviews. I feel confident that the Arndale Centre Boux Avenue store will do very well and I'll definitely be back for that red bra soon.
Disclaimer: I attended the press preview as the guest of Boux Avenue and received a lovely goodie bag too, I have not been asked to write this post. All opinions are my own.
