IF you're stuck for inspiration, a trip to the shops can be a frustrating experience. As sales hot up, Women's Editor Christen Pears meets two personal shoppers who hope to make the experience fun.

CONTRARY to popular male belief, not all women are shopaholics. For some, the beginning of the January sales and the appearance in the shops of the latest spring fashions are a source of great excitement. For others, the thought of spending hours trailing around trying on outfits, struggling with shopping bags and being jostled by the crowds is a daunting prospect.

But help is at hand in the form of personal shoppers Gail Little and Belinda Alexander, both former models and now wardrobe consultants and fashion stylists. On January 7, the pair will be launching a personal shopping service at Barkers, the family-run department store in Northallerton. Both stylishly dressed and immaculately groomed, they're an excellent advertisement for their service.

"We met around 20 years ago when we were both working as models," explains Gail. "We hit it off straight away and we've worked together ever since."

The pair have worked with private clients and have acted as consultants for fashion shows across the country. They first came into contact with Barkers when they modelled for fashion shows at the store about 12 years ago, and they recently approached owner Charles Barker, offering their services as personal shoppers.

The store, which can trace its origins back to the 19th century, has just completed a re-fit of its ladies' fashion department, transforming the shop floor and introducing new labels. It seemed like the perfect time to introduce a personal shopping service.

Many department stores now offer personal shopping but it is unusual to find it in an independent store like Barkers. "I think because it's a family business, people expect that extra level of service and this is exactly that. We want to make shopping as enjoyable as possible and having a personal shopper takes all of the hassle out of it," explains Charles.

Gail and Belinda will meet the customer and chat over a cup of coffee about what they're looking for, whether it's an outfit for a special occasion or a complete new wardrobe. Once they know more about the customer's tastes and lifestyle, they'll head off to the sales floor to choose the clothes. The service is free, although appointments must be booked in advance, and there will be a dedicated changing room where shoppers can leave their bags and try on clothes in private.

Belinda says: "This is probably a new concept for a lot of people and we don't want them to feel intimidated by it. It should be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible."

Following the refit, Barkers now offers a wide choice of labels, including Paul Costelloe, Planet, Four Seasons, French Connection and Liz Claiborne, as well as her plus range Elisabeth. The women will be familiar with all of the ranges, and will also be offering their expertise on shoes and accessories.

Although they've promised not to be as rude as What Not to Wear's Trinny and Susannah, they will be giving customers advice about style and what does and doesn't suit them.

Belinda says: "Style isn't about money. It's about putting together different pieces that suit you, regardless of the cost. We don't want people to feel it's going to be a hard sell and we're going to push them into buying things from the most expensive ranges."

The pair hope the service will encourage clients to try something new and experiment with different styles and looks. Often people get stuck in a rut. If they're large, for example, they think they can only wear certain types of clothes.

"We want to show them that there are a lot more options," says Gail. "It's about showing people what suits them and boosting their confidence. We will be professional but we have a sense of fun too so it won't be daunting for them."

Belinda and Gail would like to establish a relationship with their clients over time so that before each appointment, they can pick out the clothes they think they would like.

Belinda says: "I think that shows just what a personal touch it is. We want people to fee they're being looked after properly. It's a new, much more relaxed way to shop."

* For more information or to book an appointment call (01609) 772303 or visit the website at www.barkers-northallerton.co.uk.