Following on from the success of the Gok Wan TV programme - Debenhams have launched an enhanced personal shopper service targeted to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted customers.
In the TV show the celebrity stylist Gok Wan explored the relationship blind women have with fashion.
Inspired by the programme, RNIB worked with Debenhams to train their personal shopping staff to help blind and partially sighted men and women to shop more independently.
Getting to grips with fashion
The leading high street store now offers a personal shopping service with staff who have a greater understanding of the needs of blind and partially sighted customers. This pioneering training resource follows the same principles Gok Wan uses in his 'How to Look Good Naked' TV series.
In one of his disability special programmes, Di Cram from Exeter who lost her sight in her 20s, was given a fashion makeover. Gok helped Di, (who had not seen herself in over 25 years) rediscover her own sense of style, her body shape and ultimately her femininity.
How does the personal shopping service work?
The personal shopping service at Debenhams is free and easy-to-use. After booking an appointment at one of the 134 stores that offer the service, customers are met by their personal shopper at a pre-agreed meeting point, such as the store entrance.
The personal shopper then takes the customer to a private room to find out what they're looking for and how much they want to spend, before bringing a selection of clothes to try on. All of the personal shoppers have been trained on how to guide customers with sight loss and how to describe the colour and shape of clothing in a meaningful way.
Want to find out more?
Visit our
personal shopping page to find out more, hear what blind and partially sighted customers think of the service and to watch a clip of Di Cram benefitting from the Gok Wan fashion treatment.
To find your nearest Debenhams personal shopping service or to book an appointment call Debenhams on 0303 123 9999.
Why not take advantage of the service this Christmas?