WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
If you’ve never visited an Internationalē and are bemused as to what to expect then visualise New Look or Select only imagine more floor space, less clutter, greater variety and cheaper prices. Admittedly it sounds too good to be true, but depending ... Read review
If you’ve never visited an Internationalē and are bemused as to what to expect then visualise New Look or Select only imagine more floor space, less clutter, greater variety and cheaper prices. Admittedly it sounds too good to be true, but depending on your taste Internationalē could be your shopping heaven…
LAYOUT, STYLE, AND DESIGN OF THE STORE…
... ...both had a well-kept appearance, been tidy, orderly and clean. The layout of both of them is very similar. Display stands and rails are positioned on the shop floor in a way that allows free movement between sections, and not once have I had to fight with or detangle myself from a clothes hanger. The clothes are in a reasonably organised order, sectioned into casual, funky/trendy, clubbing and smart/work. Sale stock is placed near the entrance and ... more
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
If you’ve never visited an Internationalē and are bemused as to what to expect then visualise New Look or Select only imagine more floor space, less clutter, greater variety and cheaper prices. Admittedly it sounds too good to be true, but depending on your taste Internationalē could be your shopping heaven…
LAYOUT, STYLE, AND DESIGN OF THE STORE…
I have visited Internationalē stores in Leeds and Wakefield and both had a well-kept appearance, been tidy, orderly and clean. The layout of both of them is very similar. Display stands and rails are positioned on the shop floor in a way that allows free movement between sections, and not once have I had to fight with or detangle myself from a clothes hanger. The clothes are in a reasonably organised order, sectioned into casual, funky/trendy, clubbing and smart/work. Sale stock is placed near the entrance and clearly marked, so you’re unlikely to miss any potential bargains. Assistants continually keep the rails in order (which can be annoying when your in desperate search of the correct size) and they are never over stocked. Good use is made of wall hanging space, although some items of clothing are placed too high and assistance is needed to reach them.
STOCK – STYLE, SIZES, COLOURS…
There is a vast range of stock and arguably something for every occasion. Casual clothes include combats, shorts, skirts, jumpers, and tops (both t-shirt and vest) with slogans ranging from “You’ve been a naughty boy…Go to my room” to “What are you staring at?” If you want something for a night on the town they offer a range of glitzy strapless and backless tops, plain and sparkly trousers and a variety of skirts. For those times when a smart look is required there are numerous blouses, both short and long sleeved, plain trousers and skirts in a variety of styles and suit sets available. Coats and jackets are also stocked with the styles matching the season and in the summer swimwear and bikini’s are also available. One item of clothing they do not sell or, when they do choice is limited, is jeans, a real disappointment for denim lovers.
There is also a shoe section towards the back however this lets the store down. It is less organised than the clothes department and has less choice. If you do find a style you like then you’ll not only have to route around to find your size but also to find two shoes that match.
The size range starts at an 8 and I think the largest goes up to a 16. Unlike some shops who only stock limited numbers of certain sizes, Internationalē always seem to have plenty of every size, except on sale goods when they are trying to get rid of the last few items of ranges. One complaint I do have is the limited range in trouser length. Most trousers, except the petite range, are a standard 30” length, which for people like myself who are 31” and above is not much good, unless we’re looking to achieve the “cat died” look.
The colour range is also excellent and the same top can be found in four to five different colour schemes. For example a twin set I bought was available in dark/pale blue, pink, yellow, white and green.
PRICE RANGE
Prices are low, very low and in some cases this is reflected in the quality of the goods. For example my friend bought a white vest top with a silver spiders web on, and after one wash the web had disappeared. However much stock is great value for the price and the poor quality cheaper than cheap tops can be easily spotted and avoided. Some examples of what I have purchased include two pairs of combats that were £7.99 at Buy One Get One Free, the equivalent of £3.99 a pair. I have had these a year now and although the quality is not that of more expensive shops such as River Island or Top Shop, I have worn them excessively and they are still in excellent condition. I also bought a pair of denim effect trousers with gems around the trim for £19.99, which are of equal to quality of more expensive shops. I was dubious as to whether the gems would wash off or fall off with general wear but nope – they’re still firmly in place. For my holiday this year I bought a twin set for £12.99 and three vest tops ranging from £2.99 to £8.99. Up to press they seem value for money.
STAFF AND CHANGING ROOMS…
The sale assistants are always smiling, friendly and pleased to help (in Wakefield and Leeds anyway). They do not come up and pester you or continually ask if you are ok (as if you’re going to tell them the truth… “No actually I had a sleepless night and my aunty has run off with the local strip-o-gram…”). The changing rooms are kept clean and have cubicles with a pull curtain. Pegs are provided to hang clothes on and full-length mirrors allow you to see how gorgeous you look. Best of all there’s no silly rule about having to take 3 or more items in when all you want to do is try one skirt on!
ACCESSORIES AND HOMEWARE…
As well as stocking clothes Internationalē also provides a range of extras including fashion jewellery, belts, hair accessories, purses, pencil cases and mobile phone accessories. Again there is plenty to choose from at reasonable prices. My mum bought a silk effect black purse in the sale for £1.50 and was chuffed to bits with it. My current “clubbing” purse, a silver patterned, wrist one was also purchased here and cost £4.99. To jazz up my Nokia 5110 I bought a funky looking purple sparkly facia (£5) and matching key pad (£3), both been to the same quality of Nokia originals at 1/3 of the Nokia price.
Internationalē also has a reasonably sized home ware section. Stock consists of soap sets, candles, ornaments, photo frames, tables, chairs, lamps and shades, rugs, cushions and pillows. All are available in the colours that are “in”, for example the colour to have at the moment is purple. I bought a ball lampshade (£8) and two purple cushions (£3 each). If you’re looking to give your bedroom a makeover I’d strongly suggest having a look here first.
CLIENTEL
Generally there is something for everyone at Internationalē, although much of the casual wear is aimed at young teenagers. It all depends on personal taste however. Some 20+’s wouldn’t been seen dead in some of the clothes stocked where as others will love the designs. The accessories and home ware section however should be visited by everyone, as there’s something for all tastes.
OVERALL
The design and layout of the shop is excellent as is the range of clothes. The quality of some items leaves a lot to be desired although this is reflected by the price. Check items before you purchase them as some of the lighter coloured tops can be stained. The home ware section matches FADS and other such shops and is my favourite place to go for bedroom accessories. My advice if you’ve never visited Internationalē is to give it a try…chances are you’ll find something worth buying.
Advantages: Cheap cheap cheap! Disadvantages: can have huge queues. quality depends on what you are buying
The first time you walk into an Internacionale you will probably think wow!There is so much stuff! If I have no money left, or I'm looking for an item that I might choose to wear once and then forget about, I go straight to Internacionale. They sell a huge range of jewllry and accesories. The accessories can tend to be a little bit cheap and takcy, but the jewellry is usually good. It is, of course, mass produced so it's not very individual, but ... ...a pair of surgical steel hoop earrings there and I have worn them so much and they still look as good as new. When looking at the ranges it's easy to see which items are quality and well made, so therefore will last, and which won't last.
There are lots and lots of clothes, in many different styles, and you can find some really nice things, but in general, the fabric they use can be cheap and feel a bit nasty. Straightforward items, such as cotton ...
licklemissnaughty 15.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Internationale (Shop)
I have just been on a shopping expedition to satisfy my urge on the search for chunky plastic rings. As many people might have seen, plastic jewellery is in all the magazines and shops, to co-ordinate with this seasons fashions. Dorothy Perkins has an absolute stack of glorious accesories, but a limited number of chunky rings to match.
I have therefore been searching the internet for rings and have come up with a selection of handmade rings by several ... ...considering i wanted to have a litle collection... I have an addictive personality, where one item is never, ever enough!!
So, on my quest today, i wandered into Inernationale, for a browse around the jewellery section.
I almost fell over when i saw the selection of plastic funky dress rings!!!
I was even more agast at the measly price of ONE POUND FOR TWO RINGS. Well, as my gran would say "you couldn't make them for that price!!"
I bought two ...
coconutaddict 16.08.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Internationale (Shop)
Advantages: Affordable, good for interesting and unusual gifts for women and the home. Disadvantages: Poor, cheap 'jewellery' section and distasteful junky novelties
My local 3-storey Internationale store is an absolute dream for gifts of all kinds, especially for women and teenage girls. A large portion of the store is dedicated to incense gifts and candles of every size, shape and scent- from the simplest church candles to highly decorative and beautiful coloured and bejewelled candles that are practically works of art! It seems a shame to burn them!
Alongside the candles you can typically find decorative ... ...ceramic / terracotta decorations that Internationale sell, as well as their various kitsch items such as plastic grass and artificial plants etc that border on being very tacky.
At the other end of the scale however, the 1st floor of the store sells very stylish contemporary ceramic and glassware that looks expensive but just isn't! Perfect for a minimalist look that is really in fashion at the moment. This floor also stocks simple furnishings such ...
swizzles 16.09.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Internationale (Shop)
Advantages: Cheap, Stylish, different leg lengths in trousers, helpfull staff, sell everything! Disadvantages: None!
I have visited many Internationale stores and i believe them all to be very different from one another. Internationale in Lincoln has gifts, cushions, clothes, accessories, toys and stationary. Im happy that they have changing rooms so you can see how the clothes you choose will look on. They have a huge range of girls clothes, women's clothes and now i am lead to believe they are starting to sell men's clothes. Internationale is allot like New Look ... ...and well looked after. Staff are helpful and are happy to give advice on what suits you best. Internationale doesn't really have any bad points as i can always find what i am looking for and if i cant then i always know that there is help from there cashiers. ...
goodgirl666 22.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Internationale (Shop)
Value for money
Layout & presentation
Selection & range
Availability
In store customer service
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I honestly love this place!
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The shops that are at Gunwharf Quays are: Adidas, Austin Reed, Bench & Hooch, Calvin Klein Underwear, Crew Clothing, Fred Perry, Gap, Jack Wills, Lakeland Leather, Levi Strauss, LK Bennett, Marks & Spencers Outlet, Monsoon, Next, Nitya, Oakley, Paul Smith, Puma, Ted Baker, Tog 24, Vans, Animal, Barbour, Burberry, Cotton Traders, Fat Face, French Connection, Guess, Hobbs, Karen Millen, Whistles, Lee Cooper, Liz Claiborne, Mambo, Mexx, Mountain Warehouse, Nike, O'neill, Oasis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reef, Timberland, Triumph International, White Stuff, Bags etc, Chapelle, Daniel James Jewellers, Kenneth Turner, Savoy Taylor Guild, Antler, Claires Accessories ...
Advantages: Excellent products, great smell and environmentally friendly. Disadvantages: Very expensive products.
.
? Gorgeous smell.
? There are wide ranges for body (from inside and outside), face care for men and women and a lot more!
? Friendly and helpful staff.
? Their pots, jars and containers are recyclable and environmentally friendly (and refillable).
? Available in nearly every town in UK; also available world wide.
Disadvantages
? Some very expensive prices
? Some scents are sickly sweet
? Can cause some allergies for some people
? Most of their containers are very rudimentary!
Stores in Spain
The Body Shop stores are located also in Spain. They are not as widespread as in the UK, but at least we have the shop! Unlike the United Kingdom it is only available in big cities.
Quick comparison between The Body Shop in the UK and the International Body ...
Advantages: Lovely clothes Disadvantages: Can be expensive, not a great size range
but ive never seen that size in a shop.
THE PRICES~
Are high be warned, dont expect to get a dress for less than £45 and that would be cheap, unless its sale time but to be honest if i was going to spend that money i would spend it here because the clothes are lovely they fit nice and are very well made so it does all reflect in the price.
But if you are looking for basics like vest tops and t shirts i wouldnt go here because you can pay £20 for a single t shirt when really if all you want is basics you can go to far cheaper shops like international ect and get vest tops for around £5.
OVERALL~
Great shop, nice selection of clothes but if its not sale time can be a little expensive, that being said in a sale i managed to get the dress i wanted and a pir of trousers and a top oh and some sunglasses lol for a vey fair price of £60 ...
