Interview with VS Manager and Trainer

Today I interviewed a previous Manager, Bra Mentor and Trainer who travelled across different UK stores and opened various shops. I messaged her after noticing she had strong opinions for the branding decisions they made and spoke about her experience in store.

"I worked there and loved it, and would regularly fit trans and plus size women. They go up to a FFF(g) in store and extra cup sizes can be ordered in. And a 38 back with wider backs to be ordered in."
"I can understand from a business perspective why it hasn’t been done yet (inclusive campaigns). For such a long time sex has sold. And for such a long time the idea of ‘Victoria’ was a fantasy of men and women. It must be hard for a brand to realise that their whole branding ideal is shifting beyond their usual massively successful scope. I agree they need to catch up. It’s showing in their profit margin. But working there and the training they give and the people they employ made me, and many customers feel sexy."|

After these comments she made, I wanted to look more into the in-store she had from the other side of things. How it felt working there, the types of customers that came in and what were the hero products sold and then I looked into why.

How did you find working there? 
"Working there- inspiring. First class training. Lots of support and clear that used to a structure. Usual sales pressure (though added as commission is included). Loved meeting loads of different women and showing them what different styles do for the body."

What was the best selling bras?
"Must haves are wicked bras unlined and push up. Loads of pretty laces too. Best fit, BBV Demi. One that most people get surprised with and buy- t.shirt wireless. Dream angels lightly lined was consistently best seller status. "
What was the hero products? 
"The satin PJ bundles, mists and pink accessories (pants) also sold so quick. But really everyone came for bras."

Do you watch the VS show? 
"I loved watching the show! But we meet the angels regularly! Day one working in the business was around mental health awareness week and the angels gave talks about stress and pressures and social media and we had a puppy party. You get to know them so well and the angels are so so lovely!"

Did you have a target audience or particular type of customer in stores? 
"We didn’t have a target audience at all - only specific target was the PINK store (my store was both VS and pink like Meadowhall). PINK we got all ages in, but made for younger customers, lower price points, more for ‘fun’ rather than sexy. We had ‘targets’ in certain rooms. So we had a bridal room, sports room, every day room, accessories room. But not physical traffic through the door."


Any other experiences you would like to discuss!
"Panty bars hold 30,000 panties in. We had to fold them all. So if ever you’re in a VS don’t unfold them. We didn’t sell for people who had masectomys because we couldn’t physically store them anywhere. We also didn’t have any products for maternity/ breast feeding. 70% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Usually coming in saying they’re a 36 B when they’re actually a 32D. 80% of your bra is in your band. It’s not American sizing and they can do measurements on the floor."