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 Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
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Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
Very useful..., 03 Nov 2008
Useful and practical advice by a man who knows his business inside out. Well written and a pleasure to read, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in retailing.
brilliant brilliant brilliant, 19 Jun 2008
If you can only afford one book to help you with your retail business - GET THIS ONE!
I have used it as a basis for training days with my staff and these have been amongst the most successful we have run in 4 years. It has helped to re-energise and re-focus all our efforts, so that everyone knows - and buys into - where we are going and how we will get there. I shall be buying a copy for each one of my permanent staff team!
very interesting reading, 12 Jul 2007
My girlfriend and I have opened up a clothes store recently and are working hard to let it survive the first few difficult years. Although this book gives many tips for bigger stores, I have found great insights and tips that make it valuable for us to try and stay ahead of the competion.
For team members and managers in any job, anywhere.., 07 Mar 2006
I purchased this book after being offered a managerial role in retail. Knowing little about the industry, I was looking for a book that could tell me everything... from shop floor to staffing. This book not only taught me all I needed to know but gave me confidence and passion to go ahead and be a great team member. I made notes all over it as by page 2 I knew I wasn´t going to be passing it on to anyone else! Easy reference, interesting to read - I took it on holiday - excellent section on people management and lots of information and advice that would apply to most office jobs, work teams and managers everywhere, not just in the retail industry. Also written by a normal guy who has had a long and successful career in retail, not a stuffy professor with a PhD. Thoroughly recommended.
If you're in a hurry, this is for you!, 22 Dec 2005
I bought this just as we were opening our first shop. It's quick to read, makes sense and is easy to remember. Even so, I still have it by the bed and go back to it when I need some new ideas. I just wish there was a number 2 version with more detail. Loved it.
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Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
Very useful..., 03 Nov 2008
Useful and practical advice by a man who knows his business inside out. Well written and a pleasure to read, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in retailing.
brilliant brilliant brilliant, 19 Jun 2008
If you can only afford one book to help you with your retail business - GET THIS ONE!
I have used it as a basis for training days with my staff and these have been amongst the most successful we have run in 4 years. It has helped to re-energise and re-focus all our efforts, so that everyone knows - and buys into - where we are going and how we will get there. I shall be buying a copy for each one of my permanent staff team!
very interesting reading, 12 Jul 2007
My girlfriend and I have opened up a clothes store recently and are working hard to let it survive the first few difficult years. Although this book gives many tips for bigger stores, I have found great insights and tips that make it valuable for us to try and stay ahead of the competion.
For team members and managers in any job, anywhere.., 07 Mar 2006
I purchased this book after being offered a managerial role in retail. Knowing little about the industry, I was looking for a book that could tell me everything... from shop floor to staffing. This book not only taught me all I needed to know but gave me confidence and passion to go ahead and be a great team member. I made notes all over it as by page 2 I knew I wasn´t going to be passing it on to anyone else! Easy reference, interesting to read - I took it on holiday - excellent section on people management and lots of information and advice that would apply to most office jobs, work teams and managers everywhere, not just in the retail industry. Also written by a normal guy who has had a long and successful career in retail, not a stuffy professor with a PhD. Thoroughly recommended.
If you're in a hurry, this is for you!, 22 Dec 2005
I bought this just as we were opening our first shop. It's quick to read, makes sense and is easy to remember. Even so, I still have it by the bed and go back to it when I need some new ideas. I just wish there was a number 2 version with more detail. Loved it.
essential reading, 21 Jan 2008
This text explained all aspects of supply chain managment. the language is easy to read. examples are very well articulated.
Martin Christoper is the guru of Logistics, 23 Aug 2000
I had the pleasure to meet Martin Christopher in person when I was a student of Cranfield University, trying to get my MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Martin Christopher is in reality what is depicted in his book - simply a pure genious. This particular book gives an extremely good explanation of what Logistics is, using a very simple language and many many case studies. It can easily be read by a student but also be used as a manual by a professional. The reader should especially focus on the chapters discussing about global Logistics. This is really a very useful tool for all the people involved with the SCIENCE and ART of logistics.
Superb summary of the key logistics issues., 16 Jul 2000
This is a superb summary and introduction to the key logistics issues. Customer service, the benchmarking of supply chains, logistics costs and performance, the strategic issues and the Japanese techniques are all covered. Great for plucking quotes, such as 'uncertainty is the mother of inventory'. Lots of diagrams and case studies. As a practising supply chain professional, I thoroughly recommend this book. As Professor of Marketing and Logistics at Cranfield, Martin Christopher is one of the leading lights in logistics
A short and "down to the point" book about SCM, 28 Mar 1999
Martin not only knows his stuff about logistics he can also write, whitch cannot be said about most authors in this category. A very good book especially for non-logisticans who wants an introduction in this field. It has not too many fancy words and is very much focused on the business process rather than logistics as such. If I were to have one book in logistics management in my bookshelf, it would be this one.
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Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
Very useful..., 03 Nov 2008
Useful and practical advice by a man who knows his business inside out. Well written and a pleasure to read, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in retailing.
brilliant brilliant brilliant, 19 Jun 2008
If you can only afford one book to help you with your retail business - GET THIS ONE!
I have used it as a basis for training days with my staff and these have been amongst the most successful we have run in 4 years. It has helped to re-energise and re-focus all our efforts, so that everyone knows - and buys into - where we are going and how we will get there. I shall be buying a copy for each one of my permanent staff team!
very interesting reading, 12 Jul 2007
My girlfriend and I have opened up a clothes store recently and are working hard to let it survive the first few difficult years. Although this book gives many tips for bigger stores, I have found great insights and tips that make it valuable for us to try and stay ahead of the competion.
For team members and managers in any job, anywhere.., 07 Mar 2006
I purchased this book after being offered a managerial role in retail. Knowing little about the industry, I was looking for a book that could tell me everything... from shop floor to staffing. This book not only taught me all I needed to know but gave me confidence and passion to go ahead and be a great team member. I made notes all over it as by page 2 I knew I wasn´t going to be passing it on to anyone else! Easy reference, interesting to read - I took it on holiday - excellent section on people management and lots of information and advice that would apply to most office jobs, work teams and managers everywhere, not just in the retail industry. Also written by a normal guy who has had a long and successful career in retail, not a stuffy professor with a PhD. Thoroughly recommended.
If you're in a hurry, this is for you!, 22 Dec 2005
I bought this just as we were opening our first shop. It's quick to read, makes sense and is easy to remember. Even so, I still have it by the bed and go back to it when I need some new ideas. I just wish there was a number 2 version with more detail. Loved it.
essential reading, 21 Jan 2008
This text explained all aspects of supply chain managment. the language is easy to read. examples are very well articulated.
Martin Christoper is the guru of Logistics, 23 Aug 2000
I had the pleasure to meet Martin Christopher in person when I was a student of Cranfield University, trying to get my MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Martin Christopher is in reality what is depicted in his book - simply a pure genious. This particular book gives an extremely good explanation of what Logistics is, using a very simple language and many many case studies. It can easily be read by a student but also be used as a manual by a professional. The reader should especially focus on the chapters discussing about global Logistics. This is really a very useful tool for all the people involved with the SCIENCE and ART of logistics.
Superb summary of the key logistics issues., 16 Jul 2000
This is a superb summary and introduction to the key logistics issues. Customer service, the benchmarking of supply chains, logistics costs and performance, the strategic issues and the Japanese techniques are all covered. Great for plucking quotes, such as 'uncertainty is the mother of inventory'. Lots of diagrams and case studies. As a practising supply chain professional, I thoroughly recommend this book. As Professor of Marketing and Logistics at Cranfield, Martin Christopher is one of the leading lights in logistics
A short and "down to the point" book about SCM, 28 Mar 1999
Martin not only knows his stuff about logistics he can also write, whitch cannot be said about most authors in this category. A very good book especially for non-logisticans who wants an introduction in this field. It has not too many fancy words and is very much focused on the business process rather than logistics as such. If I were to have one book in logistics management in my bookshelf, it would be this one.
A Rant with a Strong Thread of Common Sense, 28 Jul 2008
Like many of this book's reviewers, I think Andrew Simms started out with a conclusion and then researched facts to fit it. The book is unashamedly biased, heavily anecdotal and at times descends into little more than a rant.
However, some of the wider arguments in the book are plain common sense, and difficult to dispute regardless of which reseach you choose: Supermarkets are too big and powerful; They use their power in abusive ways; They suck the life out of communities; The oil-dependent logistics behind their operations are a study in lunacy.
The book is well written and engaging. If you take it with the pinch of salt that any politically savvy reader should, you will enjoy it thoroughly and will probably still want to change your shopping behaviour afterwards.
Terrible, 27 Jul 2008
This book is terrible. I have the same political orientation of the author, but I believe that writing something so vainly full of rants, personal musings and cheap populism is actually damaging to our cause. I had to reach page 143 before finding any interesting facts and by then I was on the verge of total boredom. If you want a serious, thought-provoking anti-globalization book, buy The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein instead.
So bad it almost inspires pro-Tesco thinking, 23 Jul 2008
This is nothing but left wing propoganda. No reliable sources, no economic insight, no apparent thought process. Please dont buy it, its painful to read. Who the hell sources himself? no credibility, nothing. Take the list of things Tesco need to do towards the end... number one, reduce market share in all areas of business to under 8%. how the hell are you to implement that? Please, please dont buy.
Snappy writing but highly biased, 16 Jul 2008
Simms eloquently throws everything he has at Tesco, including causing obesity, environmental damage, poor architecture, and the loss of indigenous languages. Alas, this book is merely a Left-wing rant against big business. Sure, don't we all regret the loss of independent book and grocery shops across Britain? But Simms uses emotion and allegations he doesn't prove to lay the whole blame on Tesco. (One claim: five organisations "control" 90% of the news in the U.S. I don't believe it.) There is no attempt at balance. He fails to give Tesco credit for the biggest reason for its success: low prices. Coming from the Left, he might have asked poor people if they prefer cheap food or a High Street unspoiled by chains. This is not a credible book.
Couldn't finish it..., 10 Jun 2008
Before I begin, i must stress that i only managed to read the first 3 chapters. So this isn't so much of a review, more of a quick overview of why i couldn't finish it which might have an impact on certain potential readers.
As a Computer Scientist, i am well aware of good practice when it comes to experiments. One of the main rules is limit the bias, else many of your peers will not take your results as seriously as you might like. This is exactly what i didnt like with this book. Simms hates Tescos, and it shows.
One such niggly example is how he points out that the staff in the Tescos he visits for the purpose of his research arent as happy or bubbly as they are in the ads. I've worked in food retail, it's boring, don't hold that against them! Another example is how he claims he was "treated as a criminal" when his wife was asked not to push their child in a trolley at fast pace down an aisle (while he was researching i imagine) but in all honestly, if an accident occured then Tesco would be liable, so who can blame them?! The first chapters are riddled with examples which show his contempt for Tescos which for me, destroy his credabilty for providing a fair look at the situation, which in my opinion this book should be. If Tesco produced a highly biased overview of the main topics that surround them then i'm sure Simms would pick it to pieces, so asking for neutrality is only fair.
Sorry, this book just isn't for me. If however you don't like big multi-national corporations and want something to further your interest or provide interesting quotes or figures from the people involved then go for it. Simms at least does provide reference in his notes which is a plus.
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Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
Very useful..., 03 Nov 2008
Useful and practical advice by a man who knows his business inside out. Well written and a pleasure to read, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in retailing.
brilliant brilliant brilliant, 19 Jun 2008
If you can only afford one book to help you with your retail business - GET THIS ONE!
I have used it as a basis for training days with my staff and these have been amongst the most successful we have run in 4 years. It has helped to re-energise and re-focus all our efforts, so that everyone knows - and buys into - where we are going and how we will get there. I shall be buying a copy for each one of my permanent staff team!
very interesting reading, 12 Jul 2007
My girlfriend and I have opened up a clothes store recently and are working hard to let it survive the first few difficult years. Although this book gives many tips for bigger stores, I have found great insights and tips that make it valuable for us to try and stay ahead of the competion.
For team members and managers in any job, anywhere.., 07 Mar 2006
I purchased this book after being offered a managerial role in retail. Knowing little about the industry, I was looking for a book that could tell me everything... from shop floor to staffing. This book not only taught me all I needed to know but gave me confidence and passion to go ahead and be a great team member. I made notes all over it as by page 2 I knew I wasn´t going to be passing it on to anyone else! Easy reference, interesting to read - I took it on holiday - excellent section on people management and lots of information and advice that would apply to most office jobs, work teams and managers everywhere, not just in the retail industry. Also written by a normal guy who has had a long and successful career in retail, not a stuffy professor with a PhD. Thoroughly recommended.
If you're in a hurry, this is for you!, 22 Dec 2005
I bought this just as we were opening our first shop. It's quick to read, makes sense and is easy to remember. Even so, I still have it by the bed and go back to it when I need some new ideas. I just wish there was a number 2 version with more detail. Loved it.
essential reading, 21 Jan 2008
This text explained all aspects of supply chain managment. the language is easy to read. examples are very well articulated.
Martin Christoper is the guru of Logistics, 23 Aug 2000
I had the pleasure to meet Martin Christopher in person when I was a student of Cranfield University, trying to get my MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Martin Christopher is in reality what is depicted in his book - simply a pure genious. This particular book gives an extremely good explanation of what Logistics is, using a very simple language and many many case studies. It can easily be read by a student but also be used as a manual by a professional. The reader should especially focus on the chapters discussing about global Logistics. This is really a very useful tool for all the people involved with the SCIENCE and ART of logistics.
Superb summary of the key logistics issues., 16 Jul 2000
This is a superb summary and introduction to the key logistics issues. Customer service, the benchmarking of supply chains, logistics costs and performance, the strategic issues and the Japanese techniques are all covered. Great for plucking quotes, such as 'uncertainty is the mother of inventory'. Lots of diagrams and case studies. As a practising supply chain professional, I thoroughly recommend this book. As Professor of Marketing and Logistics at Cranfield, Martin Christopher is one of the leading lights in logistics
A short and "down to the point" book about SCM, 28 Mar 1999
Martin not only knows his stuff about logistics he can also write, whitch cannot be said about most authors in this category. A very good book especially for non-logisticans who wants an introduction in this field. It has not too many fancy words and is very much focused on the business process rather than logistics as such. If I were to have one book in logistics management in my bookshelf, it would be this one.
A Rant with a Strong Thread of Common Sense, 28 Jul 2008
Like many of this book's reviewers, I think Andrew Simms started out with a conclusion and then researched facts to fit it. The book is unashamedly biased, heavily anecdotal and at times descends into little more than a rant.
However, some of the wider arguments in the book are plain common sense, and difficult to dispute regardless of which reseach you choose: Supermarkets are too big and powerful; They use their power in abusive ways; They suck the life out of communities; The oil-dependent logistics behind their operations are a study in lunacy.
The book is well written and engaging. If you take it with the pinch of salt that any politically savvy reader should, you will enjoy it thoroughly and will probably still want to change your shopping behaviour afterwards.
Terrible, 27 Jul 2008
This book is terrible. I have the same political orientation of the author, but I believe that writing something so vainly full of rants, personal musings and cheap populism is actually damaging to our cause. I had to reach page 143 before finding any interesting facts and by then I was on the verge of total boredom. If you want a serious, thought-provoking anti-globalization book, buy The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein instead.
So bad it almost inspires pro-Tesco thinking, 23 Jul 2008
This is nothing but left wing propoganda. No reliable sources, no economic insight, no apparent thought process. Please dont buy it, its painful to read. Who the hell sources himself? no credibility, nothing. Take the list of things Tesco need to do towards the end... number one, reduce market share in all areas of business to under 8%. how the hell are you to implement that? Please, please dont buy.
Snappy writing but highly biased, 16 Jul 2008
Simms eloquently throws everything he has at Tesco, including causing obesity, environmental damage, poor architecture, and the loss of indigenous languages. Alas, this book is merely a Left-wing rant against big business. Sure, don't we all regret the loss of independent book and grocery shops across Britain? But Simms uses emotion and allegations he doesn't prove to lay the whole blame on Tesco. (One claim: five organisations "control" 90% of the news in the U.S. I don't believe it.) There is no attempt at balance. He fails to give Tesco credit for the biggest reason for its success: low prices. Coming from the Left, he might have asked poor people if they prefer cheap food or a High Street unspoiled by chains. This is not a credible book.
Couldn't finish it..., 10 Jun 2008
Before I begin, i must stress that i only managed to read the first 3 chapters. So this isn't so much of a review, more of a quick overview of why i couldn't finish it which might have an impact on certain potential readers.
As a Computer Scientist, i am well aware of good practice when it comes to experiments. One of the main rules is limit the bias, else many of your peers will not take your results as seriously as you might like. This is exactly what i didnt like with this book. Simms hates Tescos, and it shows.
One such niggly example is how he points out that the staff in the Tescos he visits for the purpose of his research arent as happy or bubbly as they are in the ads. I've worked in food retail, it's boring, don't hold that against them! Another example is how he claims he was "treated as a criminal" when his wife was asked not to push their child in a trolley at fast pace down an aisle (while he was researching i imagine) but in all honestly, if an accident occured then Tesco would be liable, so who can blame them?! The first chapters are riddled with examples which show his contempt for Tescos which for me, destroy his credabilty for providing a fair look at the situation, which in my opinion this book should be. If Tesco produced a highly biased overview of the main topics that surround them then i'm sure Simms would pick it to pieces, so asking for neutrality is only fair.
Sorry, this book just isn't for me. If however you don't like big multi-national corporations and want something to further your interest or provide interesting quotes or figures from the people involved then go for it. Simms at least does provide reference in his notes which is a plus.
great fun, really useful, a great read, 03 Aug 2007
I bought this book a couple of years ago, but am writing this review now because it still rocks! Despite India Knight's own glowing review of the recent Goddess Guide, I've found The Shops to be far more helpful, and FAR more entertaining a read. In between hilarious snippets of her own life, she advises where to get what, and over the years I've found her advice to be truly useful. Thanks to her, I know check out reviews on Makeup Alley before purchasing anything; discovered the glorious Persephone Books; got into organic/natural skincare thanks to her recommendation of Stacey/Fairley's 21st Centure Beauty Bible, and so much more. I find myself referring to it again and again, and even now keep finding new things to discover. Plus it's just a really fun read. She rocks.
What a fabulous book!, 29 Mar 2007
I wasn't too sure what I was getting with this book - a psychoanalysis of shopping, lists of places to go, or a novel about someone who shops a lot? - so went in with an open mind.
The great thing was, this book has all three and lots more. India Knight weaves her own story of falling in love with shopping through childhood and beyond through the fabric of the book, stopping off along the way to focus on certain topics such as how to deal with stroppy shop assistants, where to get your best organic veg and lots of tips for online stores. She doesn't limit you to fancy, high end London shops either - Argos pops up now and then, alongside the likes of Abercrombie & Kent for luxury hols and a sex shop called Good Vibrations in LA. Very funny.
I didn't discover too many hidden gems but this wasn't a problem. The snippets and asides that litter this book are hilarious and I found it made me feel reassuringly normal. If shopping is really a true joy in life for you, you'll feel like you have been welcomed into a lovely little tribe of similarly retail focussed individuals....invaluable.
I hope you enjoy it too.
What A Fantastic Book, 15 Jan 2007
I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I don't like 'chick-lit' so have never read any of India Knight's books before, but I saw this and thought I'd give it a go as I love shopping. What a book! It's PACKED full of advice, not all of it I agree with necessarily such as extolling the virtues of cheap bathroom suites, and there is the inevitable endorsment of certain retailers, such as Argos.But it is so engagingly well written and so hilarious that I didn't mind. Anyway it is interesting to read someone else's perspective on shopping and what they think is value for money. There's oodles of advice on where to shop for great presents for everyone as well as lots of beauty tips, although not much on clothes (you've got Trinny and Susannah for that) all interwoven around a kind of personal memoir which I found highly entertaining. Brilliant fun!
Disappointing, 20 Mar 2006
India Knight normally produces books of high quality which make me laugh - hence why I bought this one on recommendation from Amazon. This book is nothing more than an advertisement for various companies and their products - which makes India's writing fade into the background. I think the companies should have paid for this book for the adverts, and we should not have had to pay at all!!!! This one is a waste of time and effort!
We need more of this !, 06 Apr 2005
This book had me laughing out loud. India Knight's best tried and tested shops and internet sites (and a few bad ones to note) in one book. If only we all had the forethought to write down our best shopping discoveries! India also fills us in on her life of shopping, and whether we are born with a love of shopping or are nurtured that way. As the book is a few years old now, I'm having trouble getting a pair of her highly recommended belly-buster knickers (the correct spelling is Nancy Ganz, not Gantz!) Shame. I will be at the front of the queue if another India Knight book comes out.
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Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
Very useful..., 03 Nov 2008
Useful and practical advice by a man who knows his business inside out. Well written and a pleasure to read, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in retailing.
brilliant brilliant brilliant, 19 Jun 2008
If you can only afford one book to help you with your retail business - GET THIS ONE!
I have used it as a basis for training days with my staff and these have been amongst the most successful we have run in 4 years. It has helped to re-energise and re-focus all our efforts, so that everyone knows - and buys into - where we are going and how we will get there. I shall be buying a copy for each one of my permanent staff team!
very interesting reading, 12 Jul 2007
My girlfriend and I have opened up a clothes store recently and are working hard to let it survive the first few difficult years. Although this book gives many tips for bigger stores, I have found great insights and tips that make it valuable for us to try and stay ahead of the competion.
For team members and managers in any job, anywhere.., 07 Mar 2006
I purchased this book after being offered a managerial role in retail. Knowing little about the industry, I was looking for a book that could tell me everything... from shop floor to staffing. This book not only taught me all I needed to know but gave me confidence and passion to go ahead and be a great team member. I made notes all over it as by page 2 I knew I wasn´t going to be passing it on to anyone else! Easy reference, interesting to read - I took it on holiday - excellent section on people management and lots of information and advice that would apply to most office jobs, work teams and managers everywhere, not just in the retail industry. Also written by a normal guy who has had a long and successful career in retail, not a stuffy professor with a PhD. Thoroughly recommended.
If you're in a hurry, this is for you!, 22 Dec 2005
I bought this just as we were opening our first shop. It's quick to read, makes sense and is easy to remember. Even so, I still have it by the bed and go back to it when I need some new ideas. I just wish there was a number 2 version with more detail. Loved it.
essential reading, 21 Jan 2008
This text explained all aspects of supply chain managment. the language is easy to read. examples are very well articulated.
Martin Christoper is the guru of Logistics, 23 Aug 2000
I had the pleasure to meet Martin Christopher in person when I was a student of Cranfield University, trying to get my MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Martin Christopher is in reality what is depicted in his book - simply a pure genious. This particular book gives an extremely good explanation of what Logistics is, using a very simple language and many many case studies. It can easily be read by a student but also be used as a manual by a professional. The reader should especially focus on the chapters discussing about global Logistics. This is really a very useful tool for all the people involved with the SCIENCE and ART of logistics.
Superb summary of the key logistics issues., 16 Jul 2000
This is a superb summary and introduction to the key logistics issues. Customer service, the benchmarking of supply chains, logistics costs and performance, the strategic issues and the Japanese techniques are all covered. Great for plucking quotes, such as 'uncertainty is the mother of inventory'. Lots of diagrams and case studies. As a practising supply chain professional, I thoroughly recommend this book. As Professor of Marketing and Logistics at Cranfield, Martin Christopher is one of the leading lights in logistics
A short and "down to the point" book about SCM, 28 Mar 1999
Martin not only knows his stuff about logistics he can also write, whitch cannot be said about most authors in this category. A very good book especially for non-logisticans who wants an introduction in this field. It has not too many fancy words and is very much focused on the business process rather than logistics as such. If I were to have one book in logistics management in my bookshelf, it would be this one.
A Rant with a Strong Thread of Common Sense, 28 Jul 2008
Like many of this book's reviewers, I think Andrew Simms started out with a conclusion and then researched facts to fit it. The book is unashamedly biased, heavily anecdotal and at times descends into little more than a rant.
However, some of the wider arguments in the book are plain common sense, and difficult to dispute regardless of which reseach you choose: Supermarkets are too big and powerful; They use their power in abusive ways; They suck the life out of communities; The oil-dependent logistics behind their operations are a study in lunacy.
The book is well written and engaging. If you take it with the pinch of salt that any politically savvy reader should, you will enjoy it thoroughly and will probably still want to change your shopping behaviour afterwards.
Terrible, 27 Jul 2008
This book is terrible. I have the same political orientation of the author, but I believe that writing something so vainly full of rants, personal musings and cheap populism is actually damaging to our cause. I had to reach page 143 before finding any interesting facts and by then I was on the verge of total boredom. If you want a serious, thought-provoking anti-globalization book, buy The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein instead.
So bad it almost inspires pro-Tesco thinking, 23 Jul 2008
This is nothing but left wing propoganda. No reliable sources, no economic insight, no apparent thought process. Please dont buy it, its painful to read. Who the hell sources himself? no credibility, nothing. Take the list of things Tesco need to do towards the end... number one, reduce market share in all areas of business to under 8%. how the hell are you to implement that? Please, please dont buy.
Snappy writing but highly biased, 16 Jul 2008
Simms eloquently throws everything he has at Tesco, including causing obesity, environmental damage, poor architecture, and the loss of indigenous languages. Alas, this book is merely a Left-wing rant against big business. Sure, don't we all regret the loss of independent book and grocery shops across Britain? But Simms uses emotion and allegations he doesn't prove to lay the whole blame on Tesco. (One claim: five organisations "control" 90% of the news in the U.S. I don't believe it.) There is no attempt at balance. He fails to give Tesco credit for the biggest reason for its success: low prices. Coming from the Left, he might have asked poor people if they prefer cheap food or a High Street unspoiled by chains. This is not a credible book.
Couldn't finish it..., 10 Jun 2008
Before I begin, i must stress that i only managed to read the first 3 chapters. So this isn't so much of a review, more of a quick overview of why i couldn't finish it which might have an impact on certain potential readers.
As a Computer Scientist, i am well aware of good practice when it comes to experiments. One of the main rules is limit the bias, else many of your peers will not take your results as seriously as you might like. This is exactly what i didnt like with this book. Simms hates Tescos, and it shows.
One such niggly example is how he points out that the staff in the Tescos he visits for the purpose of his research arent as happy or bubbly as they are in the ads. I've worked in food retail, it's boring, don't hold that against them! Another example is how he claims he was "treated as a criminal" when his wife was asked not to push their child in a trolley at fast pace down an aisle (while he was researching i imagine) but in all honestly, if an accident occured then Tesco would be liable, so who can blame them?! The first chapters are riddled with examples which show his contempt for Tescos which for me, destroy his credabilty for providing a fair look at the situation, which in my opinion this book should be. If Tesco produced a highly biased overview of the main topics that surround them then i'm sure Simms would pick it to pieces, so asking for neutrality is only fair.
Sorry, this book just isn't for me. If however you don't like big multi-national corporations and want something to further your interest or provide interesting quotes or figures from the people involved then go for it. Simms at least does provide reference in his notes which is a plus.
great fun, really useful, a great read, 03 Aug 2007
I bought this book a couple of years ago, but am writing this review now because it still rocks! Despite India Knight's own glowing review of the recent Goddess Guide, I've found The Shops to be far more helpful, and FAR more entertaining a read. In between hilarious snippets of her own life, she advises where to get what, and over the years I've found her advice to be truly useful. Thanks to her, I know check out reviews on Makeup Alley before purchasing anything; discovered the glorious Persephone Books; got into organic/natural skincare thanks to her recommendation of Stacey/Fairley's 21st Centure Beauty Bible, and so much more. I find myself referring to it again and again, and even now keep finding new things to discover. Plus it's just a really fun read. She rocks.
What a fabulous book!, 29 Mar 2007
I wasn't too sure what I was getting with this book - a psychoanalysis of shopping, lists of places to go, or a novel about someone who shops a lot? - so went in with an open mind.
The great thing was, this book has all three and lots more. India Knight weaves her own story of falling in love with shopping through childhood and beyond through the fabric of the book, stopping off along the way to focus on certain topics such as how to deal with stroppy shop assistants, where to get your best organic veg and lots of tips for online stores. She doesn't limit you to fancy, high end London shops either - Argos pops up now and then, alongside the likes of Abercrombie & Kent for luxury hols and a sex shop called Good Vibrations in LA. Very funny.
I didn't discover too many hidden gems but this wasn't a problem. The snippets and asides that litter this book are hilarious and I found it made me feel reassuringly normal. If shopping is really a true joy in life for you, you'll feel like you have been welcomed into a lovely little tribe of similarly retail focussed individuals....invaluable.
I hope you enjoy it too.
What A Fantastic Book, 15 Jan 2007
I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I don't like 'chick-lit' so have never read any of India Knight's books before, but I saw this and thought I'd give it a go as I love shopping. What a book! It's PACKED full of advice, not all of it I agree with necessarily such as extolling the virtues of cheap bathroom suites, and there is the inevitable endorsment of certain retailers, such as Argos.But it is so engagingly well written and so hilarious that I didn't mind. Anyway it is interesting to read someone else's perspective on shopping and what they think is value for money. There's oodles of advice on where to shop for great presents for everyone as well as lots of beauty tips, although not much on clothes (you've got Trinny and Susannah for that) all interwoven around a kind of personal memoir which I found highly entertaining. Brilliant fun!
Disappointing, 20 Mar 2006
India Knight normally produces books of high quality which make me laugh - hence why I bought this one on recommendation from Amazon. This book is nothing more than an advertisement for various companies and their products - which makes India's writing fade into the background. I think the companies should have paid for this book for the adverts, and we should not have had to pay at all!!!! This one is a waste of time and effort!
We need more of this !, 06 Apr 2005
This book had me laughing out loud. India Knight's best tried and tested shops and internet sites (and a few bad ones to note) in one book. If only we all had the forethought to write down our best shopping discoveries! India also fills us in on her life of shopping, and whether we are born with a love of shopping or are nurtured that way. As the book is a few years old now, I'm having trouble getting a pair of her highly recommended belly-buster knickers (the correct spelling is Nancy Ganz, not Gantz!) Shame. I will be at the front of the queue if another India Knight book comes out.
Web Copy that Sells, 09 Oct 2008
Not all websites are created equally. The majority of websites are rather boring: a little text and perhaps a few graphics. Other sites try to grab the readers' attention with a lot of colorful graphics and a lot of fancy ad-speak.
When it comes to promoting business success, neither type of website will be very useful. The rather plain site will be virtually ignored. Most readers won't even bother to read your web copy.
On the other hand, the flashy site will scream out advertisement. It's like going into a store and having the salesman give us the hard sell. No one wants that.
Fortunately, Web Copy that Sells provides a third option. Step by step, this resource shows how to get readers to read your web copy and how to encourage them to purchase your product. This book really is a goldmine of ideas.
A mixed blessing., 22 Nov 2007
Ok - you're definitely going to get something out of this book that will help you with your web copy or other marketing blurb. For example I'm using contractions here like "you're" instead of "you are" for the first time, and no doubt you're finding it a pleasant read, right?
If you're selling what I call "dream come true" products or services like loose-weight-in-x-number-of-days, or increase-your-sales-by-X% etc, then Maria Veloso is the guide you need, and her book will be perfect. If you're selling a product that requires a more conservative style, or to a customer base that is turned off by such marketing, then in my opinion you'll get less out of this book. Almost all the examples appear to me to be of the, slim quick/how I made my first $15m/Masters Degree in 18months style. I believe however, that the theory in the book - and there's lots of it -is more widely useful.
Best Value, 03 May 2007
This has to be one of the best value, to the point and helpful web copy books around. As I run Internet Marketing Masterclasses, I see a lot of books and programmes on this subject but Ms Veloso stands out as someone who is focused on providing great learning. She uses good and real examples to illustrate her points and very clearly shows you why web copy is MUCH different than other media. You'll likely read this book 3 or 4 times and learn more each time - which just goes to show it's great value! It's also not too American and so globally helpful. I'm recommending all my workshop delegates to buy it!
Impressive and thought-inspiring, 16 Sep 2006
I am not the sort of person who buys a book to read cover-to-cover.
Sadly, I've only ever done that for a few books since becoming an adult.
This book is different. Very different.
I am less than half way through and already making sales based on the approach I have adopted from this book.
Although I am a coder who employs copywriters, I feel I can discuss more with the clients and employees I encounter.
This is a genuine bargain for anyone looking into the world of offline or online copy and at this price, should be snapped up.
Thankyou Maria!
Basic points good, but too smarmy, 01 Aug 2006
Maria Veloso's 5 Step Blueprint for writing good web copy were very helpful, but ALL of the examples she provided of good copy completely turned me off (is it any surprise, with such URLs as "wordsthatmakeyourich.com" and tactics used car salesmen employ).
Maybe they do work, but I'd never use them for my own copy because I would expect our target audience to see through such blatant sales tactics ("Doesn't it make you furious that you could actually be making five times as much from your existing business-if only you knew how?").
So I caution those business owners who feel this style of writing may not be appropriate for them. I do think there are things of value, but it's not right for everyone.
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Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
Very useful..., 03 Nov 2008
Useful and practical advice by a man who knows his business inside out. Well written and a pleasure to read, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in retailing.
brilliant brilliant brilliant, 19 Jun 2008
If you can only afford one book to help you with your retail business - GET THIS ONE!
I have used it as a basis for training days with my staff and these have been amongst the most successful we have run in 4 years. It has helped to re-energise and re-focus all our efforts, so that everyone knows - and buys into - where we are going and how we will get there. I shall be buying a copy for each one of my permanent staff team!
very interesting reading, 12 Jul 2007
My girlfriend and I have opened up a clothes store recently and are working hard to let it survive the first few difficult years. Although this book gives many tips for bigger stores, I have found great insights and tips that make it valuable for us to try and stay ahead of the competion.
For team members and managers in any job, anywhere.., 07 Mar 2006
I purchased this book after being offered a managerial role in retail. Knowing little about the industry, I was looking for a book that could tell me everything... from shop floor to staffing. This book not only taught me all I needed to know but gave me confidence and passion to go ahead and be a great team member. I made notes all over it as by page 2 I knew I wasn´t going to be passing it on to anyone else! Easy reference, interesting to read - I took it on holiday - excellent section on people management and lots of information and advice that would apply to most office jobs, work teams and managers everywhere, not just in the retail industry. Also written by a normal guy who has had a long and successful career in retail, not a stuffy professor with a PhD. Thoroughly recommended.
If you're in a hurry, this is for you!, 22 Dec 2005
I bought this just as we were opening our first shop. It's quick to read, makes sense and is easy to remember. Even so, I still have it by the bed and go back to it when I need some new ideas. I just wish there was a number 2 version with more detail. Loved it.
essential reading, 21 Jan 2008
This text explained all aspects of supply chain managment. the language is easy to read. examples are very well articulated.
Martin Christoper is the guru of Logistics, 23 Aug 2000
I had the pleasure to meet Martin Christopher in person when I was a student of Cranfield University, trying to get my MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Martin Christopher is in reality what is depicted in his book - simply a pure genious. This particular book gives an extremely good explanation of what Logistics is, using a very simple language and many many case studies. It can easily be read by a student but also be used as a manual by a professional. The reader should especially focus on the chapters discussing about global Logistics. This is really a very useful tool for all the people involved with the SCIENCE and ART of logistics.
Superb summary of the key logistics issues., 16 Jul 2000
This is a superb summary and introduction to the key logistics issues. Customer service, the benchmarking of supply chains, logistics costs and performance, the strategic issues and the Japanese techniques are all covered. Great for plucking quotes, such as 'uncertainty is the mother of inventory'. Lots of diagrams and case studies. As a practising supply chain professional, I thoroughly recommend this book. As Professor of Marketing and Logistics at Cranfield, Martin Christopher is one of the leading lights in logistics
A short and "down to the point" book about SCM, 28 Mar 1999
Martin not only knows his stuff about logistics he can also write, whitch cannot be said about most authors in this category. A very good book especially for non-logisticans who wants an introduction in this field. It has not too many fancy words and is very much focused on the business process rather than logistics as such. If I were to have one book in logistics management in my bookshelf, it would be this one.
A Rant with a Strong Thread of Common Sense, 28 Jul 2008
Like many of this book's reviewers, I think Andrew Simms started out with a conclusion and then researched facts to fit it. The book is unashamedly biased, heavily anecdotal and at times descends into little more than a rant.
However, some of the wider arguments in the book are plain common sense, and difficult to dispute regardless of which reseach you choose: Supermarkets are too big and powerful; They use their power in abusive ways; They suck the life out of communities; The oil-dependent logistics behind their operations are a study in lunacy.
The book is well written and engaging. If you take it with the pinch of salt that any politically savvy reader should, you will enjoy it thoroughly and will probably still want to change your shopping behaviour afterwards.
Terrible, 27 Jul 2008
This book is terrible. I have the same political orientation of the author, but I believe that writing something so vainly full of rants, personal musings and cheap populism is actually damaging to our cause. I had to reach page 143 before finding any interesting facts and by then I was on the verge of total boredom. If you want a serious, thought-provoking anti-globalization book, buy The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein instead.
So bad it almost inspires pro-Tesco thinking, 23 Jul 2008
This is nothing but left wing propoganda. No reliable sources, no economic insight, no apparent thought process. Please dont buy it, its painful to read. Who the hell sources himself? no credibility, nothing. Take the list of things Tesco need to do towards the end... number one, reduce market share in all areas of business to under 8%. how the hell are you to implement that? Please, please dont buy.
Snappy writing but highly biased, 16 Jul 2008
Simms eloquently throws everything he has at Tesco, including causing obesity, environmental damage, poor architecture, and the loss of indigenous languages. Alas, this book is merely a Left-wing rant against big business. Sure, don't we all regret the loss of independent book and grocery shops across Britain? But Simms uses emotion and allegations he doesn't prove to lay the whole blame on Tesco. (One claim: five organisations "control" 90% of the news in the U.S. I don't believe it.) There is no attempt at balance. He fails to give Tesco credit for the biggest reason for its success: low prices. Coming from the Left, he might have asked poor people if they prefer cheap food or a High Street unspoiled by chains. This is not a credible book.
Couldn't finish it..., 10 Jun 2008
Before I begin, i must stress that i only managed to read the first 3 chapters. So this isn't so much of a review, more of a quick overview of why i couldn't finish it which might have an impact on certain potential readers.
As a Computer Scientist, i am well aware of good practice when it comes to experiments. One of the main rules is limit the bias, else many of your peers will not take your results as seriously as you might like. This is exactly what i didnt like with this book. Simms hates Tescos, and it shows.
One such niggly example is how he points out that the staff in the Tescos he visits for the purpose of his research arent as happy or bubbly as they are in the ads. I've worked in food retail, it's boring, don't hold that against them! Another example is how he claims he was "treated as a criminal" when his wife was asked not to push their child in a trolley at fast pace down an aisle (while he was researching i imagine) but in all honestly, if an accident occured then Tesco would be liable, so who can blame them?! The first chapters are riddled with examples which show his contempt for Tescos which for me, destroy his credabilty for providing a fair look at the situation, which in my opinion this book should be. If Tesco produced a highly biased overview of the main topics that surround them then i'm sure Simms would pick it to pieces, so asking for neutrality is only fair.
Sorry, this book just isn't for me. If however you don't like big multi-national corporations and want something to further your interest or provide interesting quotes or figures from the people involved then go for it. Simms at least does provide reference in his notes which is a plus.
great fun, really useful, a great read, 03 Aug 2007
I bought this book a couple of years ago, but am writing this review now because it still rocks! Despite India Knight's own glowing review of the recent Goddess Guide, I've found The Shops to be far more helpful, and FAR more entertaining a read. In between hilarious snippets of her own life, she advises where to get what, and over the years I've found her advice to be truly useful. Thanks to her, I know check out reviews on Makeup Alley before purchasing anything; discovered the glorious Persephone Books; got into organic/natural skincare thanks to her recommendation of Stacey/Fairley's 21st Centure Beauty Bible, and so much more. I find myself referring to it again and again, and even now keep finding new things to discover. Plus it's just a really fun read. She rocks.
What a fabulous book!, 29 Mar 2007
I wasn't too sure what I was getting with this book - a psychoanalysis of shopping, lists of places to go, or a novel about someone who shops a lot? - so went in with an open mind.
The great thing was, this book has all three and lots more. India Knight weaves her own story of falling in love with shopping through childhood and beyond through the fabric of the book, stopping off along the way to focus on certain topics such as how to deal with stroppy shop assistants, where to get your best organic veg and lots of tips for online stores. She doesn't limit you to fancy, high end London shops either - Argos pops up now and then, alongside the likes of Abercrombie & Kent for luxury hols and a sex shop called Good Vibrations in LA. Very funny.
I didn't discover too many hidden gems but this wasn't a problem. The snippets and asides that litter this book are hilarious and I found it made me feel reassuringly normal. If shopping is really a true joy in life for you, you'll feel like you have been welcomed into a lovely little tribe of similarly retail focussed individuals....invaluable.
I hope you enjoy it too.
What A Fantastic Book, 15 Jan 2007
I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I don't like 'chick-lit' so have never read any of India Knight's books before, but I saw this and thought I'd give it a go as I love shopping. What a book! It's PACKED full of advice, not all of it I agree with necessarily such as extolling the virtues of cheap bathroom suites, and there is the inevitable endorsment of certain retailers, such as Argos.But it is so engagingly well written and so hilarious that I didn't mind. Anyway it is interesting to read someone else's perspective on shopping and what they think is value for money. There's oodles of advice on where to shop for great presents for everyone as well as lots of beauty tips, although not much on clothes (you've got Trinny and Susannah for that) all interwoven around a kind of personal memoir which I found highly entertaining. Brilliant fun!
Disappointing, 20 Mar 2006
India Knight normally produces books of high quality which make me laugh - hence why I bought this one on recommendation from Amazon. This book is nothing more than an advertisement for various companies and their products - which makes India's writing fade into the background. I think the companies should have paid for this book for the adverts, and we should not have had to pay at all!!!! This one is a waste of time and effort!
We need more of this !, 06 Apr 2005
This book had me laughing out loud. India Knight's best tried and tested shops and internet sites (and a few bad ones to note) in one book. If only we all had the forethought to write down our best shopping discoveries! India also fills us in on her life of shopping, and whether we are born with a love of shopping or are nurtured that way. As the book is a few years old now, I'm having trouble getting a pair of her highly recommended belly-buster knickers (the correct spelling is Nancy Ganz, not Gantz!) Shame. I will be at the front of the queue if another India Knight book comes out.
Web Copy that Sells, 09 Oct 2008
Not all websites are created equally. The majority of websites are rather boring: a little text and perhaps a few graphics. Other sites try to grab the readers' attention with a lot of colorful graphics and a lot of fancy ad-speak.
When it comes to promoting business success, neither type of website will be very useful. The rather plain site will be virtually ignored. Most readers won't even bother to read your web copy.
On the other hand, the flashy site will scream out advertisement. It's like going into a store and having the salesman give us the hard sell. No one wants that.
Fortunately, Web Copy that Sells provides a third option. Step by step, this resource shows how to get readers to read your web copy and how to encourage them to purchase your product. This book really is a goldmine of ideas.
A mixed blessing., 22 Nov 2007
Ok - you're definitely going to get something out of this book that will help you with your web copy or other marketing blurb. For example I'm using contractions here like "you're" instead of "you are" for the first time, and no doubt you're finding it a pleasant read, right?
If you're selling what I call "dream come true" products or services like loose-weight-in-x-number-of-days, or increase-your-sales-by-X% etc, then Maria Veloso is the guide you need, and her book will be perfect. If you're selling a product that requires a more conservative style, or to a customer base that is turned off by such marketing, then in my opinion you'll get less out of this book. Almost all the examples appear to me to be of the, slim quick/how I made my first $15m/Masters Degree in 18months style. I believe however, that the theory in the book - and there's lots of it -is more widely useful.
Best Value, 03 May 2007
This has to be one of the best value, to the point and helpful web copy books around. As I run Internet Marketing Masterclasses, I see a lot of books and programmes on this subject but Ms Veloso stands out as someone who is focused on providing great learning. She uses good and real examples to illustrate her points and very clearly shows you why web copy is MUCH different than other media. You'll likely read this book 3 or 4 times and learn more each time - which just goes to show it's great value! It's also not too American and so globally helpful. I'm recommending all my workshop delegates to buy it!
Impressive and thought-inspiring, 16 Sep 2006
I am not the sort of person who buys a book to read cover-to-cover.
Sadly, I've only ever done that for a few books since becoming an adult.
This book is different. Very different.
I am less than half way through and already making sales based on the approach I have adopted from this book.
Although I am a coder who employs copywriters, I feel I can discuss more with the clients and employees I encounter.
This is a genuine bargain for anyone looking into the world of offline or online copy and at this price, should be snapped up.
Thankyou Maria!
Basic points good, but too smarmy, 01 Aug 2006
Maria Veloso's 5 Step Blueprint for writing good web copy were very helpful, but ALL of the examples she provided of good copy completely turned me off (is it any surprise, with such URLs as "wordsthatmakeyourich.com" and tactics used car salesmen employ).
Maybe they do work, but I'd never use them for my own copy because I would expect our target audience to see through such blatant sales tactics ("Doesn't it make you furious that you could actually be making five times as much from your existing business-if only you knew how?").
So I caution those business owners who feel this style of writing may not be appropriate for them. I do think there are things of value, but it's not right for everyone.
Tells you all about the world of fashion buying!, 15 Jan 2002
I read this book hoping to gain some knowledge into the world of fashion buying, an area which I am interested in persuing a career in. The content of the book is excellent for a first timer like myself with no real knowledge of what happens in the industry. The book begins by explaininf the role of a buyer in brief and chapter by chapter explains who you work with, where you may work, recruitment processes, case studies and practical on the job information (such as how sizing, costing etc works). Having read the book I am now certain that I want to be in the industry and I'm satisfied that I am a good person for the job too having read the section on necessary qualifications and characteristics! An excellent all rounder which I have certainly recommnded to my friends.
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Customer Reviews
kristel, 19 Mar 2008
I am fashion business entrepreneur and also a fashion designer. Although I ve been trained in many areas of management within start ups companies and studied fashion design, i knew I needed to read more about fashion retailing. I bought this book to help me to understand more specifically the dynamics of a business structure within the fashion retailing industry and the balance between business and design.
I must say that this book is almost like a bible to me. It is a very good base to start organising a start up...but of course business is an art and there is not a definite picture to it and one have to adapt things. But the authors of this book achieved their goal in compiling it.
:-D quite long but the book deserves a long review!
A must for all students, 07 Dec 2003
This book is extremely well written and great as an introduction to many areas of the fasion industry. Very easy to read. It is very thorough, and has a sense of humour too. I am actually lucky enough to currently be a student to one of the authors of this book, and it is as good as being in one of his lectures.
I have worked myself in fashion and was able to indentify with many chapters in this book from my own experiences, - plus, there are plenty of new areas that I have learnt about!
Excellent source of information for all aspects of fashion, 06 Jan 2002
An easy read even for the fashion layman, all idea's behind buying,marketing and merchandising exposed, I researched topics in a business library prior to reading the book, only to discover that it was a waste of time because everything I needed was in the book...
Very useful..., 03 Nov 2008
Useful and practical advice by a man who knows his business inside out. Well written and a pleasure to read, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in retailing.
brilliant brilliant brilliant, 19 Jun 2008
If you can only afford one book to help you with your retail business - GET THIS ONE!
I have used it as a basis for training days with my staff and these have been amongst the most successful we have run in 4 years. It has helped to re-energise and re-focus all our efforts, so that everyone knows - and buys into - where we are going and how we will get there. I shall be buying a copy for each one of my permanent staff team!
very interesting reading, 12 Jul 2007
My girlfriend and I have opened up a clothes store recently and are working hard to let it survive the first few difficult years. Although this book gives many tips for bigger stores, I have found great insights and tips that make it valuable for us to try and stay ahead of the competion.
For team members and managers in any job, anywhere.., 07 Mar 2006
I purchased this book after being offered a managerial role in retail. Knowing little about the industry, I was looking for a book that could tell me everything... from shop floor to staffing. This book not only taught me all I needed to know but gave me confidence and passion to go ahead and be a great team member. I made notes all over it as by page 2 I knew I wasn´t going to be passing it on to anyone else! Easy reference, interesting to read - I took it on holiday - excellent section on people management and lots of information and advice that would apply to most office jobs, work teams and managers everywhere, not just in the retail industry. Also written by a normal guy who has had a long and successful career in retail, not a stuffy professor with a PhD. Thoroughly recommended.
If you're in a hurry, this is for you!, 22 Dec 2005
I bought this just as we were opening our first shop. It's quick to read, makes sense and is easy to remember. Even so, I still have it by the bed and go back to it when I need some new ideas. I just wish there was a number 2 version with more detail. Loved it.
essential reading, 21 Jan 2008
This text explained all aspects of supply chain managment. the language is easy to read. examples are very well articulated.
Martin Christoper is the guru of Logistics, 23 Aug 2000
I had the pleasure to meet Martin Christopher in person when I was a student of Cranfield University, trying to get my MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Martin Christopher is in reality what is depicted in his book - simply a pure genious. This particular book gives an extremely good explanation of what Logistics is, using a very simple language and many many case studies. It can easily be read by a student but also be used as a manual by a professional. The reader should especially focus on the chapters discussing about global Logistics. This is really a very useful tool for all the people involved with the SCIENCE and ART of logistics.
Superb summary of the key logistics issues., 16 Jul 2000
This is a superb summary and introduction to the key logistics issues. Customer service, the benchmarking of supply chains, logistics costs and performance, the strategic issues and the Japanese techniques are all covered. Great for plucking quotes, such as 'uncertainty is the mother of inventory'. Lots of diagrams and case studies. As a practising supply chain professional, I thoroughly recommend this book. As Professor of Marketing and Logistics at Cranfield, Martin Christopher is one of the leading lights in logistics
A short and "down to the point" book about SCM, 28 Mar 1999
Martin not only knows his stuff about logistics he can also write, whitch cannot be said about most authors in this category. A very good book especially for non-logisticans who wants an introduction in this field. It has not too many fancy words and is very much focused on the business process rather than logistics as such. If I were to have one book in logistics management in my bookshelf, it would be this one.
A Rant with a Strong Thread of Common Sense, 28 Jul 2008
Like many of this book's reviewers, I think Andrew Simms started out with a conclusion and then researched facts to fit it. The book is unashamedly biased, heavily anecdotal and at times descends into little more than a rant.
However, some of the wider arguments in the book are plain common sense, and difficult to dispute regardless of which reseach you choose: Supermarkets are too big and powerful; They use their power in abusive ways; They suck the life out of communities; The oil-dependent logistics behind their operations are a study in lunacy.
The book is well written and engaging. If you take it with the pinch of salt that any politically savvy reader should, you will enjoy it thoroughly and will probably still want to change your shopping behaviour afterwards.
Terrible, 27 Jul 2008
This book is terrible. I have the same political orientation of the author, but I believe that writing something so vainly full of rants, personal musings and cheap populism is actually damaging to our cause. I had to reach page 143 before finding any interesting facts and by then I was on the verge of total boredom. If you want a serious, thought-provoking anti-globalization book, buy The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein instead.
So bad it almost inspires pro-Tesco thinking, 23 Jul 2008
This is nothing but left wing propoganda. No reliable sources, no economic insight, no apparent thought process. Please dont buy it, its painful to read. Who the hell sources himself? no credibility, nothing. Take the list of things Tesco need to do towards the end... number one, reduce market share in all areas of business to under 8%. how the hell are you to implement that? Please, please dont buy.
Snappy writing but highly biased, 16 Jul 2008
Simms eloquently throws everything he has at Tesco, including causing obesity, environmental damage, poor architecture, and the loss of indigenous languages. Alas, this book is merely a Left-wing rant against big business. Sure, don't we all regret the loss of independent book and grocery shops across Britain? But Simms uses emotion and allegations he doesn't prove to lay the whole blame on Tesco. (One claim: five organisations "control" 90% of the news in the U.S. I don't believe it.) There is no attempt at balance. He fails to give Tesco credit for the biggest reason for its success: low prices. Coming from the Left, he might have asked poor people if they prefer cheap food or a High Street unspoiled by chains. This is not a credible book.
Couldn't finish it..., 10 Jun 2008
Before I begin, i must stress that i only managed to read the first 3 chapters. So this isn't so much of a review, more of a quick overview of why i couldn't finish it which might have an impact on certain potential readers.
As a Computer Scientist, i am well aware of good practice when it comes to experiments. One of the main rules is limit the bias, else many of your peers will not take your results as seriously as you might like. This is exactly what i didnt like with this book. Simms hates Tescos, and it shows.
One such niggly example is how he points out that the staff in the Tescos he visits for the purpose of his research arent as happy or bubbly as they are in the ads. I've worked in food retail, it's boring, don't hold that against them! Another example is how he claims he was "treated as a criminal" when his wife was asked not to push their child in a trolley at fast pace down an aisle (while he was researching i imagine) but in all honestly, if an accident occured then Tesco would be liable, so who can blame them?! The first chapters are riddled with examples which show his contempt for Tescos which for me, destroy his credabilty for providing a fair look at the situation, which in my opinion this book should be. If Tesco produced a highly biased overview of the main topics that surround them then i'm sure Simms would pick it to pieces, so asking for neutrality is only fair.
Sorry, this book just isn't for me. If however you don't like big multi-national corporations and want something to further your interest or provide interesting quotes or figures from the people involved then go for it. Simms at least does provide reference in his notes which is a plus.
great fun, really useful, a great read, 03 Aug 2007
I bought this book a couple of years ago, but am writing this review now because it still rocks! Despite India Knight's own glowing review of the recent Goddess Guide, I've found The Shops to be far more helpful, and FAR more entertaining a read. In between hilarious snippets of her own life, she advises where to get what, and over the years I've found her advice to be truly useful. Thanks to her, I know check out reviews on Makeup Alley before purchasing anything; discovered the glorious Persephone Books; got into organic/natural skincare thanks to her recommendation of Stacey/Fairley's 21st Centure Beauty Bible, and so much more. I find myself referring to it again and again, and even now keep finding new things to discover. Plus it's just a really fun read. She rocks.
What a fabulous book!, 29 Mar 2007
I wasn't too sure what I was getting with this book - a psychoanalysis of shopping, lists of places to go, or a novel about someone who shops a lot? - so went in with an open mind.
The great thing was, this book has all three and lots more. India Knight weaves her own story of falling in love with shopping through childhood and beyond through the fabric of the book, stopping off along the way to focus on certain topics such as how to deal with stroppy shop assistants, where to get your best organic veg and lots of tips for online stores. She doesn't limit you to fancy, high end London shops either - Argos pops up now and then, alongside the likes of Abercrombie & Kent for luxury hols and a sex shop called Good Vibrations in LA. Very funny.
I didn't discover too many hidden gems but this wasn't a problem. The snippets and asides that litter this book are hilarious and I found it made me feel reassuringly normal. If shopping is really a true joy in life for you, you'll feel like you have been welcomed into a lovely little tribe of similarly retail focussed individuals....invaluable.
I hope you enjoy it too.
What A Fantastic Book, 15 Jan 2007
I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I don't like 'chick-lit' so have never read any of India Knight's books before, but I saw this and thought I'd give it a go as I love shopping. What a book! It's PACKED full of advice, not all of it I agree with necessarily such as extolling the virtues of cheap bathroom suites, and there is the inevitable endorsment of certain retailers, such as Argos.But it is so engagingly well written and so hilarious that I didn't mind. Anyway it is interesting to read someone else's perspective on shopping and what they think is value for money. There's oodles of advice on where to shop for great presents for everyone as well as lots of beauty tips, although not much on clothes (you've got Trinny and Susannah for that) all interwoven around a kind of personal memoir which I found highly entertaining. Brilliant fun!
Disappointing, 20 Mar 2006
India Knight normally produces books of high quality which make me laugh - hence why I bought this one on recommendation from Amazon. This book is nothing more than an advertisement for various companies and their products - which makes India's writing fade into the background. I think the companies should have paid for this book for the adverts, and we should not have had to pay at all!!!! This one is a waste of time and effort!
We need more of this !, 06 Apr 2005
This book had me laughing out loud. India Knight's best tried and tested shops and internet sites (and a few bad ones to note) in one book. If only we all had the forethought to write down our best shopping discoveries! India also fills us in on her life of shopping, and whether we are born with a love of shopping or are nurtured that way. As the book is a few years old now, I'm having trouble getting a pair of her highly recommended belly-buster knickers (the correct spelling is Nancy Ganz, not Gantz!) Shame. I will be at the front of the queue if another India Knight book comes out.
Web Copy that Sells, 09 Oct 2008
Not all websites are created equally. The majority of websites are rather boring: a little text and perhaps a few graphics. Other sites try to grab the readers' attention with a lot of colorful graphics and a lot of fancy ad-speak.
When it comes to promoting business success, neither type of website will be very useful. The rather plain site will be virtually ignored. Most readers won't even bother to read your web copy.
On the other hand, the flashy site will scream out advertisement. It's like going into a store and having the salesman give us the hard sell. No one wants that.
Fortunately, Web Copy that Sells provides a third option. Step by step, this resource shows how to get readers to read your web copy and how to encourage them to purchase your product. This book really is a goldmine of ideas.
A mixed blessing., 22 Nov 2007
Ok - you're definitely going to get something out of this book that will help you with your web copy or other marketing blurb. For example I'm using contractions here like "you're" instead of "you are" for the first time, and no doubt you're finding it a pleasant read, right?
If you're selling what I call "dream come true" products or services like loose-weight-in-x-number-of-days, or increase-your-sales-by-X% etc, then Maria Veloso is the guide you need, and her book will be perfect. If you're selling a product that requires a more conservative style, or to a customer base that is turned off by such marketing, then in my opinion you'll get less out of this book. Almost all the examples appear to me to be of the, slim quick/how I made my first $15m/Masters Degree in 18months style. I believe however, that the theory in the book - and there's lots of it -is more widely useful.
Best Value, 03 May 2007
This has to be one of the best value, to the point and helpful web copy books around. As I run Internet Marketing Masterclasses, I see a lot of books and programmes on this subject but Ms Veloso stands out as someone who is focused on providing great learning. She uses good and real examples to illustrate her points and very clearly shows you why web copy is MUCH different than other media. You'll likely read this book 3 or 4 times and learn more each time - which just goes to show it's great value! It's also not too American and so globally helpful. I'm recommending all my workshop delegates to buy it!
Impressive and thought-inspiring, 16 Sep 2006
I am not the sort of person who buys a book to read cover-to-cover.
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