Today I am pitching Sakare (my new favourite beauty care brand)
against L'Occitane (an old time favourite) in terms of shopping experience. I
am taking into consideration speed and quality of service, layout of store and
value for money. Check out my verdict:
Customer Service
Sakare - As soon as you even walk past this store
there are people outside welcoming you in and offering you demonstrations of
the products. The staff are not simply trying to get you to spend a fortune in
the store, they genuinely understand the customer and offer them products
specifically. For example they know that as a beauty blogger, I am always
looking to try the very top end range of anti-ageing products, but they realise
that that isn't what everyone is looking for. All staff are highly trained on
the ingredients and can offer expertise knowledge as to what will work best
with your skin. I have never once walked into the shop and been ignored by the
staff. They straight away welcome you and help you to find what you are looking
for. Some people find this a bit overpowering but as a mystery shopper with
years of experience I know that this is the benchmark for good customer
service.
L'Occitane - While staff are not generally out in the
street to engage customers, I have always been welcomed on entrance to L'Occitane.
They pretty much operate with the same procedure as Sakare...asking how you are
and how they can help. Staff are knowledgable about the products but sometimes
if they don't have what I am looking for then they don't offer a similar
product which is a bit frustrating.
Layout
Sakare - Window displays are always immaculate
and representative of the brand...luxurious and opulent. Inside the products
are displayed simply and in keeping with the style of the widow displays. There
is a feel of 1940s cruise liner glamour that transports you to another world.
L'Occitane - As soon as you walk in you feel as if you are in a French
beauty boutique of the finest handmade products. Countryside feel with a touch
of luxury. Slight overload of products for the eye which I find very
off-putting.
Value For Money
Sakare - No top end luxury brand with use of the
latest research is going to be cheap. By taking a look at the website you could
say that Sakare cosmetics are expensive, although the trick is to strike a deal
with the staff as they are usually willing to do you a discount or special
offer if you ask. Considering the quality of the products the prices are good
value.
L'Occitane - French luxury and cheap will never be
found in the same sentence together. If you decide you want a L'Occitane
bathroom then it is going to cost you. Don't think of trying to strike a deal
in this store as that just won't fly. Prices are not always readily
displayed...'if you have to ask it's too expensive' comes to mind.
My Winner: Sakare - just shows that it is possible for new
brands to break into the luxury beauty product market which is so often set in
it's ways.
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