Excitement For The New Matalan in Bracknell

 

Advertisement

As a Berkshire blogger who just loves Matalan, I jumped at the chance to attend the opening of the new Matalan store at the Lexicon in Bracknell on 5th April 2019. I was invited to attend as the ribbon was cut and of course, have a browse around. I was also given £50 in vouchers to spend as I wish – so it was a fantastic Friday!

So, why was this so amazing? Well, firstly, the Lexicon is quite a new shopping centre (opened in September 2017). Bracknell town beforehand was a bit of a concrete jungle and not a pretty place to hang out. So it was never a place myself or my family went to do our shopping. When the decision was finally made to revamp the centre, the transformation was incredible. It’s clean with loads of high street stores and restaurants and is bustling with shoppers and kids activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For someone who had only just visited for the first time since it opened, I was stunned. The once quite depressing Bracknell as I knew it is now a place I will genuinely go when I need some retail therapy.

 

 

The New Matalan at Bracknell

When I arrived for the grand opening of the new Matalan store, there was a steady queue of eager shoppers which was building up. The first 150 customers were given a golden envelope with a £5 voucher inside.

Although it was a cold, drizzly morning, I noticed how different this Matalan store is compared to all the others I had visited (and I’ve been to a fair few all over the country). This one is not in a unit on a retail park like the others. No, this one is actually on the high street! What a completely different feel it has too.

I noticed the Matalan sign upstairs over Costa on the corner. As I walked along up to the entrance, there were stairs and an escalator which takes shoppers straight up to the 19,733 square foot shopping space. What’s in there? Oh loads!

 

 

Fashion for all the Family

I actually got a sneak peak before the ribbon was actually cut. Everyone was busy getting everything ready for the opening, and I checked out what was on the rails. I was keen to get shopping!

The local radio station ‘The Breeze’ were there getting the crowd going, and as the ribbon was cut (not by a celeb I have to say), everyone, including myself headed up to see what bargains were available.

The one thing I have always liked about Matalan is that the fashion is affordable. Some of it really does last too. I own a couple of jackets that must be about ten years old and are still going strong. Plus, I’d always shopped there for my children’s clothing – especially when you need to ‘bulk’ buy baby bits. My son is now 16 and my daughter is 4, and I’ve always relied on Matalan for the essentials.

Then of course they cater for the men too. Great for casual wear, holiday bits plus suits and shoes too.

The women’s wear is great for all ages and styles. You can pick up basics like jeans and t-shirts, work wear, workout gear and accessories. There’s so much choice.

The kids stuff is just too cute. Disney, Peppa Pig and CBeebies characters on clothing and bags are hard to resist. Plus, Matalan jumped on the ‘unicorn’ bandwagon. All pretty brightly coloured clothing for little girls.

Mini Me at Matalan

The ‘Mini Me’ clothing range at Matalan is fabulous. Talk about ‘twinning is winning’! Some may cringe at wearing matching clothing as their offspring, but personally I think it’s lovely.

Some of the Mini Me bits are quite subtle too, such as the beach hats and bags. So you don’t have to go the whole hog with clothing, as the accessories are just a gentle nod. It’s a cute idea.

Cater for Petite

I am pretty rubbish at actually trying on clothes in the shops. I know what size I am, and I tend to just hold clothes up to get a rough idea of fit.

This green printed midi was a dress I was instantly drawn to, so it went straight in the basket. Then I headed around the corner and saw the same dresses again. I held it up and realised that this one was petite. Perfect for me! When I got home and put it on it was a great length. I love these midi dresses – great for the spring and summer. They can be casual, for holidays or for drinks with the girls. So great that I got two! At affordable prices, my £50 went quite far.

In fact for my £50, I got two dresses, a white blouse and some essential bits (a scarf and some underwear).

Homeware

I have had some homeware from Matalan in the past. When I first moved out of home I got my plates and bowls from there and still have them to this day! I also have some stylish Christmas tree decorations.

So when I checked out the home section, I wasn’t surprised at the quantity of bits and bobs. However some things are just lovely, such as the luggage bags for kids.

Other homeware bits include towels and bedding, bathroom accessories, pretty cups and saucers, incense diffusers and beach toys. There’s a huge selection.

When I headed to the checkout, I also noticed makeup and body lotions. The smells coming from the lotions were quite tempting!

The Verdict?

Love Matalan. I always have and this store felt so different being on the high street. It’s just down the road to where I live, so The Lexicon at Bracknell is my new go-to shopping centre!