Pre-loved Conversations: Rebecca Dransfield of Sandersons
In the world of luxury retail, there are individuals whose passion and vision shape the industry. One such visionary is Rebecca Dransfield, one of the driving forces behind Sandersons, the esteemed Yorkshire-based department store. With the recent collaboration between Sandersons and Xupes, we had the privilege of sitting down with Rebecca to delve deeper into her journey, inspirations, and the exciting future of luxury shopping in the North of England in the third edition of our 'Pre-loved Conversations' series.
Q: To kick off, can you tell us about the inspiration behind Sandersons and what motivated the creation of such a unique shopping destination?
RD: "Absolutely. The inspiration behind Sandersons is rooted in my family's history. My mother founded the store back in 2016, right in the heart of the community where we grew up. Her vision was to bring high-quality brands to our local area at accessible prices, essentially creating a shopping destination with something for everyone."
Q: What made you choose to collaborate with us at Xupes?
RD: "My introduction to the world of pre-loved luxury goods began when I moved to London at 18. It was then that I met Xupes' Director, Reece Morgan. Over the years, I've been consistently impressed with Xupes' excellent customer service, and when the opportunity arose to bring pre-loved luxury goods to Sandersons, Xupes was the obvious choice for a collaborator. I see so many parallels between our teams, especially in our shared commitment to exceptional customer service regardless of the price point. And now, our team at Sandersons is even more equipped thanks to extensive product, handling and brand training from the Xupes team!"
Q: How do you see Sandersons customers adapting to a pre-loved luxury range within store?
RD: "I truly believe our customers are ready for it! After all, our best-selling fragrance in-store is priced at £300. If our clientele is comfortable investing in such a luxury, they're likely ready to invest in a luxury bag or accessory. In the current climate, investing in a Chanel handbag, for instance, is a very savvy decision!"
Q: As a longstanding customer of ours, what initially drew you to our service and collection of luxury items?
RD: "Beyond my established relationship with Reece, I've always been captivated by the Xupes team's ability to source just about anything. I have a very eclectic taste in bags, and the Xupes team never shies away from a challenge as you may have seen on their show ‘Second Hand for 50 Grand’. Moreover, I appreciate the careful curation of the Xupes collection."
Q: With the introduction of pre-owned luxury merchandise in Sandersons, how do you see this catering to the evolving demands of luxury shoppers?
RD: "The addition of pre-loved luxury items to our store will provide another unique reason for customers to visit Sandersons, and will also introduce Xupes customers to our other incredible in-store ranges. For our local clients, who previously had to travel all the way to Manchester for a brand new Chanel bag, they can now find stunning higher quality vintage pieces right in their doorstep. And the best part? These higher-quality items are available at a fraction of the price. We know our Yorkshire people love a Yorkshire price!"
Q: In your opinion, what sets Sandersons apart from other department stores?
RD: "What truly sets Sandersons apart is our commitment to providing a luxury experience to every customer, regardless of their budget. Whether you're spending £20 or considerably more, you can expect top-tier service, including a complimentary prosecco upon arrival. We take great pride in engaging with our local community, hosting numerous events throughout the year, and we are already planning one focused on Xupes."
Q: With the opening of our Xupes concession at Sandersons, what exciting changes can customers expect in terms of the in-store experience, and how will this collaboration enhance their journey?
RD: "The arrival of Xupes has created an exciting buzz around the store! Our Sandersons team has benefited greatly from the exceptional training provided by Xupes, which in turn benefits our clients. Additionally, the Xupes team will be available for in-store appointments, further enhancing our customer experience."
Q: Lastly, what’s on your Xupes wish list right now?
RD: "I've been perusing the Xupes website recently and have my eye on the Chanel Green Quilted Lambskin Medium Classic Double Flap Bag with gold hardware. It's a truly fabulous piece that I'm hoping to add to my collection this Christmas!"
Rebecca’s dedication to providing an extraordinary shopping experience and the Sandersons collaboration with Xupes mark a new chapter in luxury retail. Learn more about the exciting collaboration here.
Sandersons
2 Fox Valley Way, Fox Valley, Stocksbridge, Sheffield, S36 2AB
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday | 9:30am – 5:30pm
Saturday | 9:30am – 6:00pm
Sunday | 10:00am – 4:00pm