Big is still beautiful

Yours London, a trendy women’s ‘plus-sized’ clothing outlet offering sizes 14 to 36 recently opened its doors in the Oasis Mall, East Riffa. Another innovative concept brought to Bahrain by the retail company Al Rashid Group, a division of Landmark Group.

The popular chain is owned by Andrew Killingsworth who had his first success with plus-sized clothing at Bedfordshire’s Leighton Buzzard market back in the UK. He was selling off some overstocked clothing items and ended up garnering attention from women who reqire bigger sizes. It was then that he realised there was a niche in the market not being met.

Felixstowe was the first store he opened and then in 2007, a website was launched in order to meet the increasing demand. A larger portion of the manufacturing is still done in the UK in order to keep with its ‘fit and flatter’ motto – offering trendy clothing that compliments the fuller figured woman.

During the store launch, Syed Kazmi, concept manager of Landmark International, said: “We brought the brand to the Middle East because the fuller-figured woman requires fast fashion that is affordable. We go up to size 36, unlike many of our competitors, and we have a quick rotation of trends. The AW14 collection will be entering our store this week.”

Juvelle Villareal, marketing executive Yours London, added: “Our day wear, party wear and lingerie section will be popular. It is difficult to find larger sizes in lingerie and we provide that too.”

The most popular items are animal prints, leggings, cardigans and kimonos. Price examples: Sleeveless kimono blouse, BD15.500 (very fast mover) White crop pants for BD15.900, sheer kimono cardigan in black and pink floral BD15.9.00.

Other deals I’m privy to:
Boggi – Up to 60 per cent off
Gymboree – Up to 80 per cent off
Punt Roma – Up to 60 per cent off
Calzedonia – Up to 80 per cent off
Promod – Up to 80 per cent off
Pimkie- Up to 70 per cent off
Jules – Up to 70 per cent off
Stradivarius – Up to 90 per cent off
Zara – Up to 90 per cent off
I AM – Buy one get one free

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RedTag is introducing a loyalty programme called RT Rewards that will enable customers to cash in points for price reductions.

Customers can now start earning points and redeem them for discounts on any future purchases at all participating outlets. RT Rewards members will be entitled to unlimited benefits like customised offers, exclusive previews to new arrivals and other in-store events.

The programme also offers a hassle-free experience by allowing customers register using just their mobile number.
At the successful launch of the programme, the country manager of RedTag Bahrain, Samir Motegheria, said: “We’re committed to staying connected with our customers and to reward them for shopping with us. Through RT Rewards, we intend to deliver a personalised shopping experience through exclusive offers tailored to client tastes and preferences. We have a rich legacy of loyal customers and we are glad we will be able to reward them for their loyalty from now on!”

Customer Nadia Alssiabi, above, the first customer to register, says she has been shopping with the brand for 15 years.

Benefits include:
* For every 100fils spent customers will be rewarded with three points on full-price merchandise and one point on discounted merchandise.
* Points will be credited to the customer’s account each time they make purchases by just mentioning your mobile number at the check-out counter.
* Points can be redeemed when a member has reached 2,500 points

For details, visit www.redtag-stores.com

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Junaid Perfumes has unveiled its latest creation ‘J Essence’ for the confident yet playful woman.

Lamya Matooq, public relations manager in Junaid perfumes, said: “J Essence was designed for a cheerful stimulus to the senses. Even the packaging is inviting. The silver cap rests on the delicate curves of the bottle, which, when coupled with our logo, combined becomes an unmistakable masterpiece.”

J Essence’ is available at all Junaid Perfumes locations.