Urban Outfitters - Kensington High Street

In the past couple of years Urban Outfitters has exploded on to the fashion scene. It is one of those shops that draws you in as you walk past, the interesting windows that let you see in to the excitement of the shop beyond, the music you hear blasting out, it is a shop that is selling a lifestyle to the young generation of today.

They are the high street rival to Topshop, they try and distance themselves from the trends that Topshop are promoting. Instead they want to create a niche market and break away from the norm. They achieve this by selling everything from random pieces of furniture right down to hip flasks and mugs. The store interior has the feeling of space, almost like a warehouse. In some areas it feels cluttered, for example the vintage section, and in others very spacious, the boutique area. There are huge graphics and displays throughout the whole of the store, there is something going on everywhere you look. Some areas of the store have seating where you can sit at a desk and read a book. This is obviously promoting the fact that they want you to spend your time in this store and get a feel for it. It definitely has an informal and relaxed atmosphere. 

As for the clothes, the price range differs from £4.99 all the way up to £800+. Based on this price range there are many different people that shop here for different reasons. No matter what your background, as you wander through the many floors you are probably going to find something that catches your eye. See by Chloe, Paul and Joe Sister and Vivienne Westwood are some of the high end labels that they stock. 

Urban Outfitters have a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the staff there allowed us to take pictures in the shop and also ask them questions about the shop itself and what it is they are trying to promote - which was a lifestyle that is affordable for the younger fashionable generation. Out of about 10 - 15 shops I visited this was the friendliest place. I think the main reason is because they want the staff to promote the product/lifestyle the best they can and by approaching customers and giving advice, I think they achieve this. As a shop they also hold events where live bands/DJs play in their shops. This draws in a huge crowd of people and maybe not necessarily the people that would normally shop there. This is quite a good way of expanding their business out to a larger crowd and works well in promoting them as a younger brand. (Giovanna)

From outerwear to bedding, Urban Outfitters is the place to shop if you want to feel the ultimate city spirit (if the town is not enough by itself). The industrial interior, loud music and wide range of products, make the shopping experience pleasant and relaxed. Although Urban Outfitters are relatively new brand, they had found a way to drag atteniton to themselves. Everything from interiors to the products of the brand is selling more than well, whatever their strategy is obviously is working well for them. (Sara)

- Urban outfitters was originally known as "The free Peoples Store" in Philadelphia (1970) selling home decorations and products as well as fashion clothing.

- Richard Hayne : Owner and Chairman

- Over 140 Locations

- "The product line has evolved from vintage, bohemian, retro, hipster, ironically humorous, kitschy apparel and furniture to include luxury brands and several designer collaborations."

-Luxury/ Vintage Outlet with higher price points

-18-30 year old market

- Manufactured/factory/destroyed feel in the stores.

-events such as student shops/live bands/projects/competitions.

-friendly, attentive staff.

(Tiffany)