Topshop opens retail store in San Diego

Juliana Curtis
Contributor

A mere two minutes down the hill, Fashion Valley Mall is a popular destination for University of San Diego students to fulfill all their shopping needs.

As of Thursday, Oct 30, Fashion Valley has caused great excitement amongst USD students after opening Topshop, a British retailer that sells women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Sophomore Victoria Simon is a fan of the brand.

“Half of my closet is from there,” Simon said. “Now I don’t have to drive all the way home to L.A. to shop there, so I think it’s really convenient there’s one here now.”

This Topshop is the only one in San Diego, and one of only two in California. This will be the sixth stand-alone store to open in the United States, as Topshop originated in the U.K. Its men’s counterpart Topman also opened at Fashion Valley, adjoined to Topshop.

Although there is a Topshop section currently in Nordstrom that offers a good amount of items, opening up their own 17,500-square foot store will allow shoppers a greater array of choices.

“We will have so many more options now,” Simon said. “They’re going to have handbags, shoes, jewelry, everything.”
Topshop appeals to USD students because of its mid-range pricing and high quality, trendy clothing. Bryan Patrick, a senior at USD, is excited the brand is coming to San Diego.

“Topman is better quality than the other options for menswear, but not as high-end as, say, Barney’s,” Patrick said. “They also have slimmer, more modern cut clothing that appeals to me.”

USD students enjoy a 10 percent discount by showing a student ID. Topshop offers the student discount even if an item is already placed on sale, resulting in major savings for students on a budget.

To promote their new opening, Topshop will be driving around San Diego in an orange spotted VW van, where they will randomly stop and pass out gift cards to people.

According to the store manager, these gift cards can have anywhere from $20-$1000 on them. However, you must go into the store to find out how much is on your card. If you can find the van and get one, it’s an automatic $20 gift card at minimum.

These mystery gift cards will be passed out until Nov. 9, and they can be used up until Nov. 16.