Fast fashion opportunities just got better in Houston as Topshop and Topman unveiled a big new store in the Galleria. The British retailer opened a sparkling 17,000-square foot space, located next to Bally in the mall's Galleria II wing today (March 26), with two floors of fashion-forward looks at affordable prices.
It is the first stand-alone store in Texas and ninth in the nation for the chain, which has been on a big U.S. expansion spree recently, with new stores in San Diego, Atlanta, and outside Washington, D.C., in addition to to two stores in New York and locations in Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Stylists for women and men are available at the store to help customers put a look together and offer free fashion advice.
The retailer continues to operate Topshop departments in 52 Nordstrom stores and Topman departments in 56 Nordstrom stores, including the Galleria location.
With the arrival of Topshop/Topman, three of the leading international cheap chic retailers are within walking distance of each other in the mall, with a two-story H&M and a two-story Zara nearby.
We took a video tour — and went on a shopping spree — while workers were putting the finishing touches on the new two-level Houston store, with the Topshop offerings for women on the first floor and Topman designs for men on the second floor.
For women, Topshop features the brands's boutique line of party dresses and casual clothing as well as its main collection, denim, accessories, shoes and cosmetics, with 19 dressing rooms. There is a separate section with petite and tall sizes.
Upstairs, Topman features a wide-range of suits and tuxedos, casual clothing, denim and footwear for men, with seven dressing rooms.
Stylists for women and men are available at the store to help customers put a look together and offer free fashion advice. No advance appointment is necessary.
During a VIP store preview party Wednesday night, Houston's young fashion faithful were quick to showcase favorite looks. Issa Chou, who writes the We Wear Things blog, looked smart in a white shirtdress, $130, from the store's boutique collection.
"I'm an avid traveler, and with family in London, have been a fan of Topshop for awhile," said Chou, "but I have to say that my husband is even more excited to have Topman in town.
"I love their styles and it's always nice to be able to try on and buy things in store as opposed to having to order it online."
Interior designers Sarah and Saba Jawda, whose style exploits are chronicled on Instagram, wore matching floral print party dresses, which retail for $95.
"We are excited Topshop is here because we love mixing their fashion forward looks with our higher end pieces," said Sarah Jawda. "The styles, textures and price combination are unbeatable. With looks changing all the time and so many events, it's nice to know for under $100 we can look and feel great."
Another shopper proudly showed a blue stripedtop and short she has purchased. "I saw Beyoncé it in," she exclaimed.
As part of the store opening celebration, Houston DJs will spin tunes all weekend, live T-Shirt printing includes six exclusive designs and a pop-up photo booth is on site to snap photos with friends. Receive a free gift when you spend $100 in-store (available while stocks last).
Sarah Jawda and Saba Jawda wore a floral print Topshop dress to the store preview party.
The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram