From Beverly Hills to Bicester Village
As a consultant for Value Retail at Bicester Village, I have had the unique opportunity to witness the evolution of this luxury shopping destination. Nestled in the idyllic Oxfordshire countryside, Bicester Village is not just a collection of high-end boutiques but a premier destination for international tourists, especially those from China. It ranks as the second most visited destination for Chinese tourists in the UK, right after Buckingham Palace. Yes, you read that correctly – more Chinese tourists visit Bicester Village than Stonehenge. Who knew discount designer handbags had such historical allure?
My journey with Bicester Village took a remarkable turn when I thought about introducing Anastasia Soare's brand, Anastasia Beverly Hills, to this prestigious location. My relationship with Anastasia goes back over twenty-five years, to when she was starting her career in Beverly Hills, plucking my eyebrows for just $15. Back then, my eyebrows were more like estranged relatives who only see each other at weddings. Fast forward to today, and she is the founder of a top-selling global cosmetic brand. Recognizing her brand's immense potential and knowing Bicester's appeal to one of her top markets, I was convinced that Anastasia Beverly Hills would be a perfect fit for Bicester Village.
The day we launched Anastasia Beverly Hills at Bicester Village was nothing short of magical. The excitement was palpable as visitors flocked to see the new boutique. The opening ceremony was a grand affair, reflecting the brand's luxurious yet accessible image. It felt like the Oscars of the shopping world – minus the awkward speeches and wardrobe malfunctions.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we organized an exclusive afternoon tea for Anastasia in The Apartment, Bicester Village's VIP salon. The Apartment isn’t just any VIP lounge – it’s where opulence meets understatement, with a sprinkle of “please, do make yourself at home while we polish your tiara.” The event was intimate yet grand, with carefully curated teas, delicate pastries, and a warm, welcoming ambiance. Guests had the unique opportunity to meet Anastasia, learn about her journey, and explore her exceptional products in a serene environment away from the bustling crowds outside. The setting was so exquisite, you half expected Jane Austen to stroll in with a quip about society.
This launch was a dream come true for both Anastasia and me. Seeing her brand, which started humbly in Beverly Hills, now nestled among the world's most prestigious brands at Bicester Village, was a full-circle moment that neither of us could have imagined all those years ago. I often joked that her eyebrow skills were the only thing keeping my face symmetrical, but now her products are keeping faces fabulous worldwide. Bicester Village continues to thrive as a hub of luxury and culture, drawing millions of visitors each year and offering unique experiences that go beyond shopping in Bicester - the hidden gem of Oxfordshire . The addition of Anastasia Beverly Hills is a testament to its dynamic growth and its commitment to bringing the best of global luxury to its visitors. If the Village gets any more glamorous, they’ll need to issue sunglasses at the entrance.
