Evans

This used to be the first store I walk past going into Birmingham via train or when parking opposite and walking through the Pavillions to start my day. Now I sometimes park under the Bull Ring and do not venture into the Pavillions as much as I formerly did. This is a store which is aimed at plus size ladies and starts at size ¹⁴⁄₁₆. The store spreads across two floors with shoes, underwear and some clothes on the ground floor and the rest of the clothing upstairs. The staff are very friendly and helpful, I have bought lots of things from here and one lady pretty much did my shopping for me one year when I didnt know what to buy for my aunt for Christmas! I do find though that the prices can be a little high but the quality is great and the staff really do go above and beyond to help you if you ask for assistance. As the other reviewer stated they do costume jewellery as well and I have also seen this reduced to £1 in sales and they have some lovely items. The shoes are wide fitting and I find that when I have tried some shoes on I have been a size smaller than I normally buy and I noticed they go up to a shoe size 10 which I have not seen many other stores do.

For those of you who have never set foot over the threshold of an ‘Evans’ store on principle due to its label as a ‘big girls shop’ –shame on you. and you are missing a trick.
This store in the paviliions is a particularly good example, and is really well presented. Set in the Pavillions its spread over 2 floors and has plenty of room to browse freely. The shoe department particularly is very strong, and the Shoe sale is not to be missed as the bargains to be had are extraordinary9 prices from a fiver).
The environment is minimalist and mainly set against a white drop, very up to date, and good standards of merchandising. Its also very tidy and clean.
Ok, the sizes start at a 14 and I guess there are alot of you that are much smaller than that — but its still worth a look at the accessories, jewellery, shoes and hosiery as they are really well made (I have to say in genereal much better finish quality and design than from sister Arcadia brand Dorothy Perkins). Again the jewellery sale is amazing — prices go down to a £1. As with any store sale time can be a bit of a jumble sale and a bit of a squeeze for space — but for the prices well worth the discomfort!
The staff deserve a special mention as they are very knowledgeable and helpful without being pushy. Bonus is that they all get trained on how to dress different body shapes (a La Trinny and Suzanna) so they generally give good sound advice. Plus they do free bra fitting!
Its much better than any of the other ‘plus size’ brands out there for quality, service, credibility, and price so give it a try I am sure you will be pleasantly suprised no matter what your size and shape.
p.s Only one gripe — they do as with many of the women’s fashion brands, particularly the Arcadia group it seems? really push the promotion of their store card at the till which I am not so keen on. Just say no!