Lou Lou’s

Located at 9-11 St John Street in Ashbourne, Lou Lou's positions itself as a specialist retailer of lingerie, swimwear, and nightwear, built on a foundation of providing a professional and highly personalised fitting service. It’s an independent store that has been operational for over two decades, with the owner's family history in the corsetry trade reportedly dating back to the late 1800s. This heritage is presented as a cornerstone of the business's expertise. The shop explicitly prioritises in-person service to ensure the best fit, choosing not to sell its products through a conventional online store, although it does accommodate mail orders placed via phone or social media.

The Customer Service Experience

Feedback for Lou Lou's presents a predominantly positive but notably divided picture of its customer service. The vast majority of experiences shared by customers are exceptionally complimentary, painting a portrait of a welcoming and highly skilled team. Staff are frequently described as knowledgeable, kind, attentive, and personable. Many reviews highlight an empowering and uplifting atmosphere, where staff invest significant time with each customer to ensure they leave feeling confident. One particularly detailed account praised the shop for creating a comfortable environment for a more masculine-presenting woman, celebrating the inclusive and sensitive approach of the staff. This suggests a business that, at its best, is not just selling garments but is actively fostering a positive body image and a sense of well-being in its clientele.

However, it is crucial to address a significant piece of negative feedback that stands in stark contrast to the praise. One customer reported a deeply unsatisfactory visit, prompted by a "use us or lose us" sign on the door. Upon entering, this customer felt abruptly dismissed by a staff member who seemed preoccupied with another fitting, asking if the new query would be "quick". This interaction resulted in the customer leaving without making a purchase and vowing not to return. This incident highlights a potential pitfall in a business that relies heavily on in-depth, time-consuming consultations. It suggests that during busy periods, or when staff are managing pre-booked appointments, the experience for a walk-in customer may be compromised. While it appears to be an isolated report among a sea of positivity, it serves as a critical data point for potential visitors: to guarantee the dedicated, celebrated service Lou Lou's is known for, booking an appointment might be a prudent choice.

The Fitting Service: A Signature Skill

The core of Lou Lou's reputation is its professional fitting service. This is the most consistently lauded aspect of the business. Multiple customers have expressed immense satisfaction with the fitting process, with one reviewer noting the impressive skill of an employee who could determine the correct bra size by sight alone, without resorting to a tape measure. This level of intuition and experience is a rare find and is what distinguishes an independent specialist from larger chain stores. The aim is to provide garments that not only fit perfectly but also improve a person's shape and daily comfort. For those who have never had a professional fitting, this service is positioned as a transformative experience.

Product Selection and Specialities

Lou Lou's is a purveyor of high-quality, premium brands rather than fast-fashion items. The inventory is described as a "treasure trove" of beautiful pieces. While it is not a sex shop in the conventional sense, its collection is rich with items that cater to sensuality and intimacy.

• Lingerie: This is the main focus. The shop stocks an extensive range of bras, including seamless t-shirt bras, balcony styles, bodysuits, and specialist bridal lingerie. The selection of sexy lingerie is curated to be both beautiful and functional, with an emphasis on quality materials and construction that ensures longevity. Customers seeking elegant erotic clothing will likely find sophisticated options here.
• Swimwear and Nightwear: Beyond underwear, the store offers a considerable collection of swimwear and sleepwear. Reviews mention a wide choice in these categories, again focusing on quality brands.
• Hosiery and Shapewear: To complement the main offerings, Lou Lou's also provides a selection of hosiery, including stockings and suspenders, and functional shapewear.

The business stocks well-regarded brands such as PrimaDonna, Marie Jo, Fantasie, and Wacoal, known for their craftsmanship and support, especially in a comprehensive range of sizes. This focus on premium, durable products means prices will be higher than on the high street, a factor customers should be aware of. The consensus among positive reviews is that the quality and the expert service justify the investment.

Practical Details for Visitors

For those planning a visit, here is the essential information:

• Address: 9-11 St John St, Market Place, Ashbourne DE6 1GP, UK.
• Opening Hours: The store operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
• Accessibility: The entrance is noted as being wheelchair accessible.
• Services: In addition to in-store shopping, the business offers delivery and mail order services for those who cannot visit in person.

Final Assessment

Lou Lou's of Ashbourne presents as a highly specialised retailer where the primary product is expertise, closely followed by the premium garments it sells. The overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its knowledgeable staff and transformative fitting service makes it a compelling destination for anyone serious about investing in high-quality, perfectly fitting lingerie. The welcoming environment, particularly for those who may feel apprehensive in such settings, is a significant strength. However, the single negative review about being rushed serves as a crucial reminder that the quality of service may depend on timing and staff availability. Potential customers seeking a quick, transactional shopping trip might find the experience less suited to them than those who are prepared to invest time in a detailed consultation. For the latter, Lou Lou's offers a level of personal attention and skill that is increasingly hard to find.