EPISODE 1
Episode 1
Mary Portas is convinced she has spotted a gap in the fashion market: a store that gives 40-something women sexy, stylish clothes instead of the middle-aged frump or skimpy teenage fashion currently available. After months knocking on the doors of Britain's major retailers to find a backer, and just when she's running out of options, one of Britain's oldest department stores decides to back her vision. Mary is handed the biggest concession they've ever had. But there's a catch - the CEO expects her to take £2million in the first year. Mary launches a recruitment drive but gets a reality check when only one person applies. As the pressure to deliver mounts Mary finds a knight in shining armour in British designer Antonio Beradi. But that doesn't stop real women from finding fault with Mary's samples.