Jack Wills Store Opening

Jack Wills, Canterbury

CANTERBURY has become the latest city to acquire a makeover on the high street with the kitsch Cath Kidston opening its doors shortly followed by Jack Wills. Although both shops look great, do they suit the city's vibe?

Canterbury is home to Canterbury Christ Church and Kent University- the prices of both shops do not reflect the average student pocket with many items being expensive.

Many shops on Canterbury's high street are independent or chain shops such as Topshop or New look. Are these new stores as marketable towards Canterbury's residents or more aimed at the tourists that frequent the city? Time will also tell if these shops will effect the selling vantage of the smaller independent shops.

Alex Dodd, a resident of Canterbury and a student at Christ Church University, said: “I am a really big fan of Jack Wills and am really pleased that a store has opened in town. I believe it has given great opportunities in terms of providing students jobs as well as adding variety to the high street- Cath Kidston also looks really pretty.”

Jack Wills clothing range which tends to be aimed at university students carrying the slogan 'University Outfitters'. Both of the stores tend to follow a familiar layout with many consumers recognising the open planned space of Jack Wills as opposed to its rivals Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch's dark and claustrophobic atmosphere. 

The Cath Kidston store has already made an impact on the High street opening a few weeks ago, with the store constantly full with customers buying their floral trademarked items.

Womenswear, Jack Wills

Jack Wills clothing range which tends to be aimed at university students carrying the slogan 'University Outfitters'. Both of the stores tend to follow a familiar layout with many consumers recognising the open planned space of Jack Wills as opposed to its rivals Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch's dark and claustrophobic atmosphere.  

Elodie Dupont, a tourist from Lille, France, said "I have heard of this brand at home but it is hard to buy it there. When I came on a trip to visit Canterbury I was vey excited to find that there was a store here, so I am stocking up on birthday presents for my family!"

Many students were excited for the store opening on the 14th of April. One student was so excited, she said: "I ordered the new seasons handbook in advance so I am well aware of what will already be in store- I'm only worried that I'll end up spending my student loan in there before the end of term!"

(Pictures by: Hannah Tellyn, Catarina Lopes, Megan Sumner, Maria Savva and Jo Marney.)