Clever Zara
I'll be honest, I haven't shopped in an actual Zara store in forever. The reason behind it is simple: I am not patient and I just can't face the queues, or having to wait to pick up my online order while some kind soul rummages through the dozens of orders to find mine (you would think this would deter me from spending all my money on Zara's new season clothing, but alas not).
But that's all about to change, because Zara has a brand spanking new invention that is the coolest thing since Cher's revolving closet.
A while back, we told you about the new click and collect system, and it has finally landed at Zara's Westfield Stratford store. I was lucky enough to get a preview of the new flagship store, and here's why I'll be going back ASAP.
You can get your online orders within literally seconds
It's the first store worldwide to have two automated online order collection points, which look a bit like a sleek ATM. They're able to handle 2,400 orders simultaneously, so you don't have to worry about not being able to pick up your order.
All you need to do is scan the QR or PIN codes you get when you place orders online, then behind the pick-up point, a robotic arm collects trays and organises the packages optimally according to their size. A door opens, and voila, your order is delivered within seconds.
You can also collect your order on the same day if you've made it before 2pm, or the day after if it's later than that.
You can create a full outfit without even trying
Within the store, there are interactive mirrors equipped with RFID, which are able to detect the garment a customer is holding, enabling you to see what a complete outfit will look like in the mirror.
There is a self checkout option
Remember when I said you can avoid queuing? Well at Straford there is also a self-checkout, which granted, doesn't completely negate the queue, but at least it'll be faster. It works a bit like a supermarket checkout, you scan your item and pay with your card or mobile phone, and there is even a de-tagging area.
