In Mary's family, money is scarce. Clothes are hand-me-downs, holidays are a church day out to Hastings and meals are variations on a potato theme. But these are good times with everything revolving around the force of nature that is Theresa, Mary's mum. When tragedy unexpectedly blows this world apart, however, a new chapter in her life opens up. She takes to the camp and glamour of Harrods window dressing like a duck to water, and Mary, Queen of Shops is born.