HOBBS PEOPLE
TAYO OLODE-OKUTA
Meeting our customers and helping them find perfect wardrobe solutions, is what drives us at Hobbs. Here, we talk to Tayo Olode-Okuta from our St. Paul's store, one of our many managers and in-house stylists.
BOOK A VIRTUAL STYLING APPOINTMENT
Meeting our customers and helping them find perfect wardrobe solutions, is what drives us at Hobbs. Here, we talk to Tayo Olode-Okuta from our St. Paul's store, one of our many managers and in-house stylists.
BOOK A VIRTUAL STYLING APPOINTMENTTELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE...
Working in store means that no two days are ever the same! Overall, I would say my main responsibility is to ensure that every customer, however she shops with us, is happy.
WHAT DO YOUR CUSTOMERS USUALLY SHOP FOR AND HAVE THEIR NEEDS CHANGED?
Most of our customers work nearby in offices where the dress code is professional or dressed down workwear. With people working from home we are definitely seeing our customers buy more multifunctional pieces. So we show them how to style tailored separates in a smart and casual way, to highlight that these pieces will always have a place in their wardrobe.
WHAT ARE YOU ASKED MOST BY CUSTOMERS AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE?
I am often asked how to put together pieces that can be mixed and matched for different occasions – what we call a capsule wardrobe. My advice is to start with essential separates and add a few eye catching pieces, such as a hero jacket, like our red Hackness.
WHEN A CUSTOMER BOOKS A VIRTUAL STYLING APPOINTMENT, WHAT CAN THEY EXPECT?
During the booking process, we ask questions about their style and the purpose of the session. Then, we create an edit of pieces ready for the appointment and via Zoom video call, we'll talk her through ways to wear each style. It's such a great way of staying in touch with customers and making shopping easier for them, so that they feel more confident in every purchase.
WITH THE FESTIVE SEASON AHEAD, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST?
Whether we are able to socialise or not, I’ll still be getting in the spirit and wearing joyful jumpers to watch Christmas movies. I genuinely believe the way you dress affects how you feel, so I will be going for sparkle to put me in a great festive mood!
WHAT'S ON YOUR CHRISTMAS WISHLIST AND WHAT WILL YOU BE GIFTING?
I love Hobbs' coats. We always have such a great selection every season to suit every need. I have my eye on the Bethany faux fur coat, it is so cosy to wear and can be dressed up or worn casually with jeans and boots. For my Mum I will be buying the Elsa scarf and the Pelham cross body bag in green – she loves Hobbs' accessories!
