This week retail guru Mary Portas (pictured, right) is in York to help out another failing business. Lucy Weller (pictured, left) is the owner of Selkie boutique, which, despite being located in the city centre, is not doing well. It's clear that Lucy's former job as a theatre-set designer has heavily influenced her business, which looks more like a second-hand fancy-dress shop than a classy vintage boutique. Adamant that she has what it takes to be a successful retailer, Lucy is frustrated at herself for losing control of her business.
Mary sees great potential in Selkie, and has a few new tricks up her sleeve to get things back on track. She takes Lucy to meet the buyer for Selfridges, where she learns the three key products that fashion shops should always stock. Then Lucy is made to improve on her sales techniques by attempting to flog tights in a shopping centre.
Next, Mary decides to make Selkie more appealing to York's enormous student population. She arranges for some talented young designers to sell their unique garments in Lucy's shop. Will this tactic be enough to pull in York's young shoppers?
The great thing about this show is that Mary has a never-ending supply of creativity, inspiration and advice, which means you can never be quite sure what she will do next.
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