It really is worth the visit,but check out Psyche.co.uk or Psychebride.com if you can't.
HISTORY
Psyche established in 1982 as a new wave /punk shop, first achieved recognition and really turned heads in 1995 by beating off stiff competition from Selfridges and others to win the much coveted Designer Retailer of the year. The reason? Psyche (in 1995) was one of the first stores in the country to stock Gucci, Prada, Dries Van Noten, Helmut Lang, Dolce & Gabbana, Nicole Fahri & Paul Smith, alongside numerous smaller & emerging new designers. Though some of the superbrands have waned the mission is still on scouring Europe and beyond to help launch new talent and get in first!
A large emphasis has always been placed on footwear, and recognition for this has come in the form of beating even stand alone shoe shops to win the UK Footwear Awards in 1998, 2000 and 2004!
2004, also witnessed Psyche being awarded the ultimate accolade, the televised Drapers magazine "Independent Retailer of the year for Britain & Ireland" which was presented by Jack Dee.
In 2005 FHM Magazine and its panel of top fashion industry judges voted Psyche "The best fashion retailer in the North East" in the first heat then went on to win the overall Retailer of the Year for the UK, presented in Soho by the " burlesque" Dita Von Teese.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Psyche's Managing Director Steve Cochrane has himself been praised and awarded "The Tees Valley Business Executive of the Year"
This notoriety has Psyche personnel invited to and advising on both Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Singapore fashion weeks as well as speaking at London Fashion Week.
THE FUTURE
Psyche eventually came to the attention of the BBC, who spent over a year filming in store to produce a 4x 1 hour series about Psyche called "The secret life of the shop". This has since been aired on TV around the world!
Part of the philosophy of Psyche is 'Kaisen'- the Japanese practise of constant improvement. Testament to this is the fact that the new department store whilst only having been open for just over 4 years is undergoing a major refit to keep it fresh and cutting edge.
Another part of Psyche life are the regular, in store charity catwalk shows which are great fun and always a sell out.
Psyche features an art gallery, bar/ bistro, as well as a well being area with a ten chair hair salon, 4x beauty rooms and a 4D baby scanning clinic.
Coming soon are collagenics and botox clinics, Psyche bridal, an 8000 sq ft top floor restaurant and a 24 bed boutique hotel.
The building features two lifts, with a 3rd, panoramic glass lift for independent access to the hotel & restaurant under construction.
Psyche offers tailoring including suit hire and made to measure, ladies occasion wear, ladies casual and fashion, men's casual and fashion, the largest childrenswear department in the UK. Extensive footwear and accessories for men, ladies and children. Unique and contemporary homeware pieces, cards and gifts. They offer free wrapping, home delivery service, at home parties, travelling tailor service and in store personal shoppers with private fitting rooms.
Their huge website offers subsidised delivery and returns in a secure, constantly updated easy to navigate format.
MISSION STATEMENT
To offer quality products and services with leading edge styling, being innovative in all business practices whilst showing a strong commitment to colleague development and generating reward for all.
COMPANY VISION
To be the most accomplished designer clothing retailer in the country and to globalise the Psyche brand whilst always maintaining the culture of change and development as a key part of our success. Psyche will always look at ways of reinventing itself for the benefit of the company and most importantly, our customers and colleagues for without the latter two there is no former.
