Walking into the β home to over 180 stores β and gazing up at the three-story structure filled with retailers selling apparel, accessories, and shoes of various styles and price points can be an overwhelming experience for even the most avid shopper.
And if youβre trying to curate a new wardrobe or find an outfit for an event? The only thing youβll likely find is yourself circling the building for hours.
So, in 2016, Somerset Collection launched the to help alleviate that stress and promote a smoother shopping experience for customers, creating a unique and collaborative service. Whereas βa stylist from Saks can shop throughout Saks, our stylists can shop throughout the entire center,β says Kate Millea, general manager at the Somerset Collection, adding that this personal styling service brings new clients to the stores while also providing clients with a wider range of options with fewer limitations.
The Personal Stylist suite initially opened in a temporary space in the mallβs south end, then moved to a permanent location on the north side of Big Beaver in 2022 β on the third floor β before having its grand opening in spring 2023. The contemporary suite has three private fitting rooms, each designed with a different theme to cater to the clientβs personal style, whether thatβs neutral and classic, fun and colorful, or warm and cozy.
Customers are making appointments regularly, with 20 to 30 a month during the peak spring/summer/fall seasons and about 15 to 20 a month during slower times of the year. There are currently six stylists available, but the program will soon bring on two more.
Here, Millea and Samantha Shina, who oversees the Personal Stylist suite, share what you need to know about the service.
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How does someone get started?
Shina: When someone inquires, I email them our offerings of an appointment, how it works, and then I send them the questionnaire. After completing the questionnaire, Iβll go over it to see which stylist theyβre best suited for. Iβll forward that to the appointed stylist and have them connect. We typically book about two weeks out, and thatβs to allow both the client and stylistΜύto prepare their schedules and research. They contact the client typically 24 to 48 hours before the appointment to see if they need anything else.
The stylist then pulls items for the client the night or morning before the appointment so that the client can try everything on once they arrive.
How much does it cost?
Millea: Itβs complimentary. Itβs no different than going into the store. Youβre just having someone help you curate the look that youβre going for.
Will the stylist stay and offer input during the fitting?
Millea: Itβs very much based on what the client wants, and thatβs part of the questionnaire: How much involvement do you want?
Shina: Itβs also part of the stylistβs job to know the clientβs comfort level. Theyβll know whether to back off or maybe put themselves in more.
How does a client purchase what they want?
Millea: We do go back to the stores so that all our merchants get credit for the sale. Some stores allow purchases to be done remotely through a pay link, but most require the client to be there in person.
This story originally appeared in the May 2024 issue of ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ Detroit at a local retail outlet. OurΜύdigital editionΜύwill be available on May 6.Μύ
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