ego and the Retail Advice Centre are now open!
ego, the buy and sell fashion boutique, part of the Retail Skills Academy at City College Norwich, is now open in Chapelfield shopping centre.
In addition to giving Norwich a distinctive new type of shop – customers will be able to sell their fashion items through the shop, as well as buying leading brands of men’s and women’s clothing – ego will also help to support the next generation of retailers.
Students from the College will develop their retail skills working in ego, which is part of a package of skills and training offered to individuals and retailers through the retailer-backed Retail Skills Academy.
Alongside ego is a new Retail Advice Centre, offering information and advice about retail training, qualifications and business services, which is backed by a programme of training opportunities such as the popular Mary Portas master classes.
ego sells designer and the best high street brands such as Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Jaeger, MaxMara, Moschino, Armarni, Aquascutum and Ralph Lauren. They must be in great condition and for the current season, warm for autumn/winter and lighter for spring/summer.
Those wanting to sell their clothes and accessories simply need to bring the items to the shop and agree the sale price. The seller then receives 52% of the sale price and the remaining 48% goes towards training people to become great retailers. Any profits will be donated to a nominated charity.
Students from City College Norwich have been involved in ego since its inception and have shaped the brand and identity of the shop. Business student Cameron Button won the Norwich Evening News competition to come up with the name. The stylish ego logo and brand were then developed by graphic design student Toby Rampton, who worked alongside local design agency Farrows in creating the look for the shop’s fascia, as well as branding throughout the store.
Sue Dougal, Head of the Retail Skills Academy, said: “ego will give people the opportunity to learn, develop and showcase retail skills in a live trading environment. They will be trained to industry standards and will leave knowing they can immediately add value to any retail employer”.
“We also think that ego will be a real hit with shoppers. Not only does ego offer the chance to buy designer men’s and women’s clothing at great prices, you can also sell on your fashion through the shop to make some extra money. Then there is the added feel-good factor from knowing that you are helping ego’s trainees and a nominated charity at the same time.”
