Eastlife Autumn 2020

Shopping at
Braintree
Village
A shopper’s guide to a bagging a bargain
Written by Emma Kemsley
Instagram @emma_kemsley
It’s no secret that I love shopping, but I love it even more when
there’s a discount or offer. I’m a savvy shopper, I know how to
play the high street brand apps; maximising the use of discount
codes and waiting for flash sales, but at Braintree Village there’s
no waiting; every store offers great savings on the RRP, all day,
every day.
Braintree Village is an outlet shopping centre in Essex with
over 75 stores such as Reiss, Barbour, BOSS, Radley London,
Tommy Hilfiger and Kurt Geiger – to name a few. It has that cool
American vibe; an outdoor experience with stores purpose built
to feel like you’re shopping in an exclusive location. At the end of
last year the newly expanded Polo Ralph Lauren opened and in
2020 more big names have arrived including Calvin Klein, Kate
Spade New York and Jack & Jones..
Nike and Adidas offer rails loaded with the latest sportswear and
walls stacked with trainers. Lindt and Thornton’s are a haven for
chocolate lovers, there’s make-up galore at the Beauty Outlet
and Molton Brown and Le Creuset are great for picking up
presents.
I visited on a Friday (pre-COVID) to take advantage of one of
the VIP weekends. Braintree Village host a number of pop-up
events throughout the year, which include additional discounts
and special offers.
The M&S Outlet tend to have great offers on childrenswear,
nightwear and lingerie. I purchased khaki trousers, ideal for
cooler early autumn days for just £6. As I was leaving, I noticed
they had stock of a simple, soft crew neck jumper I had worn
plenty in previous months. I swiftly picked up a cream and black
version for £5 each ready for next winter.
The homeware stores are where you can save big bucks,
particularly on bedding. There are a range of styles available. I
bought a ‘hotel collection’ double duvet and pillow set for £20,
marked down from £100 at Julian Charles Home. However,
my favourite purchase of the day was the Loupe Dune London
sandals. Usually £85, I picked up the tan version for £38.50. I
already own a white pair, so I know from experience that they
are the comfiest summer sandal. In fact, I raved about them so
much while in the store, that I convinced another customer to
buy a pair – do you think I’ll get a commission?
When hunger calls, there are plenty of options to refuel. Bagel
Baby is a newbie and the brainchild from Essex-based food
entrepreneurs Becca and Ali, who founded Roo’s Coffee
back in 2017. It sells delicious deli style bagels – yum! The
Cornish Bakery recently opened, and there’s a choice of chain
restaurants such as Bill’s, Pizza Express and Wildwood.
Since COVID, Braintree Village have put safety measures in
place to keep shopper’s safe. There’s a one-way system, hand
sanitising stations and daily alerts via social media to announce
when the complex is busy or at full capacity.
Happy shopping!
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