REISS – Liverpool Street

I came here during the July sales and managed to score some great pieces. I was able to work with a very helpful saleswoman and walked out with a dress that I’m looking forward to wearing to a gala event in September (I can almost rest assured that no one will have the same dress). I would rather spring for a few, quality pieces from here than a suitcase full of Topshop threads that will inevitably fall apart. Doubtless this store will be getting a lot more play in the near future, seeing as how it is a favorite of the Dutchess of Cambridge/​future queen. When I was living in New York, I frequented Reiss’s outpost in Soho, but there is something about visiting this retailer on its home turf in the UK that makes it that much more special.

1. Never buy at retail prices from this place, wait until their July or January sales where you can get a 50−70% discount. You will just be ripped off if you pay the retail prices, plain and simple.
2. Be careful what you buy, the higher end coats and suits are marked up A LOT and aren’t worth the quality. I’ve had a coat fall apart after a few months and customer service wouldn’t take it back.
3. I recently bought a shirt from the Vigo Street location that had what appeared to be dust stains and was told that they would come out in a wash. I got a discount but wasn’t told that it made the shirt non-​returnable and consistently, this policy is not stated on the receipt. Of course the shirt was defective and had other permanent stains that I didn’t see since it was folded and they would not take it back.
4. There is no escalation or grievance process in place and you can’t return anything at the stores, only online. So buyer beware.
Overall Reiss has some nice stuff but its not worth the marked up prices or the quality in the long run. Also you may get something that is defective and you won’t be able to return it. It has to be in perfect condition, and even then you can only get store credit.
Bottom line — stay away. You can do much better for your hard earned money.

Reiss is one of my favourite high street retailers, with classic styles and tailored pieces that will enhance any wardrobe.
Recently I was in the market for a fabulous leather weekender bag, and after scouring both premium and high street stores I finally wandered into Reiss and there it was: tan, leather, with beautiful detailing, it was £250 but I had to have it. It was perfect. Yes, the staff weren’t overtly friendly, but nevertheless pleasant.
Reiss does stock a great range of both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, not cheap but great investment pieces of high quality.

I quite like some of Reiss’ designs although I can’t recall buying anything from this so-​called premium high street retailer in recent times. Their pieces are just a little ubiquitous and my salary more struggling writer than handsomely paid city PA — Reiss’ apparent target clientele.
I do, however, pop into the Broadgate Circle branch of Reiss from time to time when passing through Liverpool Street station, its invariably inviting window displays perennially filled with jewel-​toned silk cocktail dresses and the kind of clothes made for climbing the career ladder in ever so slightly pedestrian style.
While often tempted by Reiss’ more interesting tailoring — case in point their chic cigarette pants with jaunty built in braces — I’ve tended to be put off buying by the abysmal service in this particular branch of the store. Last time I visited I was clearly interested in buying and the sales assistant didn’t even deign to look at me, let alone mutter hello. Reiss’ target customer may be suave and professional; their customer service in this particular branch, is anything but.