A BUDDING ROSE?

It’s not often that any retailer would try to compete against a high street giant, but Rose Boutique in Canterbury would certainly like to give it a shot.

Topshop has long held its reputation as fashion royalty amongst style fanatics. Its combination of bold basics and effortless glamour has made the store ground-breaking in its ability to kick start hundreds of new trends with each new collection. Popular with celebrities and civilians alike, Philip Green’s most profitable business has fast become one of Britain’s first stops for fashion on the high street.

However, in the midst of one of the worst recessions the country has ever seen, we have seen a rise in costs and a lot of empty purses to follow. Students are notoriously the skintest of the lot, yet unfortunately still enjoy a good spend-up. But with student favourite Topshop slowly upping their prices, they may have to sway towards cheaper alternatives in order to receive their fashion fix.

Step forward Rose Boutique! Owner Maxine Dentith has admitted that she aims to be Canterbury’s answer to cheap yet chic fashion, and hopes that she can compete to be crowned number one student store in the city.

Full to the brim with high street alternatives

Maxine revealed to Style Campus that she often browses popular high street stores for inspiration. She says: “I like to see what other retailers are selling so that I can decide what stock to sell in Rose. It’s all about keeping up with the competition really.”

It appears that many of Canterbury’s students are already rating Maxine’s store after many burst through the doors upon the arrival of their loans earlier this week.

"Topshop at half the price", Maxine claims

“I get a lot of students in store so I try to cater to them by offering them lower prices,” she says.  “Many students come in here and point out how similar my stock is to what is sold in stores like Topshop, but far cheaper.”

So with 10% discounts offered to any student who comes through the door, is Rose Boutique on route to becoming Canterbury’s new style companion for its students. At the moment, this Rose is definitely in bloom.

Visit Rose Boutique to shop online, or like them on Facebook here.