Bicester Village and the art of renewal
Shopping village near Oxford has a new model for forward-looking luxury
Bicester Village is evolving in new and surprising ways. For a number of years, the shopping village near Oxford has looked at the broader picture of luxury discount shopping, moving this concept towards a more thoughtful realm that reflects modern lifestyle choices. For example, it regularly supports eco-conscious, positive-impact brands, with a focus on British businesses that may need a push in the right direction.
The village also hosts special events and supports pop-up stores that help to promote emerging designers – including initiatives with the British Fashion Council. In addition to this, there have been recommerce projects offering shoppers high end pre-loved items, as well as charity endeavours, most notably with Bicester’s Do Good programme which raises money for non-profit organisations such as Smartworks, World Connect and Into University, all of which offer practical and financial support to vulnerable young people and women.
Striking a balance is important, which is why the village is embracing new commercial ventures that reflect a more contemporary and normalised approach to discount buying, which was once simply seen as a “savvy” way to shop.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Today, snapping up a designer bargain isn’t just a thrifty footnote in retail culture, it’s a way of life that’s here for the long haul. There’s no reason, however, that this can’t be an exclusive and uplifting experience, which is one reason Bicester Village has put time into finely tuning its bespoke services. You can book a face-to-face personal shopping appointment online, which takes place at the personal shopping suites in The Apartment, Bicester Village’s five-star private space. Virtual shopping can also be set up from the website: you simply choose a boutique from a list and a sales manager will respond via the chat platform. It’s a particularly useful system if you are hankering after a specific item or if you want to be kept up-to-date with the latest designer drops.
A number of new shops are championing customer-centricity, too, including OP2.0, a French sneaker boutique which will be trading at Bicester Village until 28 October. Founded in 2019 by students Ilan Spinosa and Cristian Vargas, the store stocks the rarest and most sought-after pieces in the sneaker industry. It also collaborates with artists, offering customers a personalisation service so they can truly stand out with their new kicks.
“We consider our store opening at Bicester Village as a step forward toward the perfect luxury client experience,” said Vargas. “We are the first stand-alone sneakers store in Bicester Village and opening our very first store in the UK has always been a goal since founding.”
The launch of OP2.0 is a big move for a place like Bicester Village – it’s not a known name in the fashion landscape, but the launch shows an eagerness to cater to a younger, fashion-forward demographic who have a more fluid attitude to luxury purchasing.
And there’s more to come. In November Watchfinder, the well-known retailer of luxury pre-owned watches, will be launching at Bicester Village. This will further compound the business’s commercial understanding of what the term “newness” has come to mean for a younger generation – not necessarily something newly-made, but something newly presented as exclusive, niche and well cared for.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why more men are wearing jewellery
The Week Recommends Pop culture is boosting interest in earrings and necklaces, alongside classic tie pins and lapel pins
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
7 magnificent hotels to visit before the summer crowds descend
The Week Recommends Have beach time in the Dominican Republic or a spa day in Saint-Tropez
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Sheep spray
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Shopping trolleys: the new must-have accessory
Speed Read Sales are soaring as new designs help shed that old-fashioned image
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
8 small travel essentials that make a big difference
The Week Recommends Foot hammocks and facial sprays add comfort to long flights
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
7 packing cube sets that make unpacking a breeze
The Week Recommends Save time and maximize luggage space
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
7 refreshing sheet masks to use post-travel
The Week Recommends Show your skin some love following a long-haul flight or road trip
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
8 stylish passport cases you should not leave home without
The Week Recommends Give TSA something to talk about with these bold covers
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Stanley tumbler craze is far more than a viral trend run amok
In The Spotlight The USA is doing what it does best
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
7 essential travel bags for every kind of voyager
The Week Recommends Including a pickpocket-proof cross-body bag and a smart backpack with USB charging
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
6 great walking shoes that will take you anywhere you need to go
The Week Recommends Put your best foot forward in these kicks
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published