French Connection

Update: 01-​03-​2008
Store closed as part of the refurbishment of the South Terminal: the sign implied it may not reopen.
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French Connection isn’t somewhere I’d normally browse, partly because I have a perception that it’s relatively expensive for what you get, and partly that they’re a bit thin on the ground.
So this small branch in the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport is a clever move, as there’s not much competition in terms of interesting places to shop (and most of the other venues on this level are eateries of one kind or another). The window display is also well done, and the interior bright and well laid out.
And to be fair, I found myself tempted to buy something there: the styling is fashionable but restrained colours in particular seem very muted, with lots of back, greys and purples. That includes a nice line in pullovers and button-​up cardigans that are so popular at the moment, as well as some ambitiously skinny trousers and jeans, and lots of wearable accessories belts, scarves and hats.
The main downer is that the very young-​looking staff seemed a bit gormless pleasant, but not entirely au fait with their stock, not being able to answer questions about sizing. The other issue for me is that the styling of their woollens assumes you have washboard stomach and skinny waist and I, er, don’t.
So, then, it looks like a hat or scarf…