Suit Direct has opened at Harlequin Watford with a new-format store designed for mid-sized locations, as the menswear retailer continues to expand its physical presence across the UK.
Suit Direct has opened a new store at Harlequin in Watford as part of its continuing UK retail expansion.
The launch reflects the menswear retailer’s focus on high-footfall shopping destinations and its strategy of growing its physical store estate.
At Harlequin Watford, the new store introduces Suit Direct’s latest retail design format for units of between 1,200 sq ft and 2,000 sq ft. The concept combines a service-led approach with a flexible layout designed to support both tailoring and a broader casualwear offer. According to the retailer, the format is intended to optimise retail density while improving the customer experience.
The brand’s mix of formal tailoring and casualwear adds to Harlequin’s existing fashion line-up, spanning occasionwear, workwear and everyday dressing.
The opening has also created three new roles within the local catchment and surrounding areas across Hertfordshire and London.
“The recent opening of our new Suit Direct store in the Harlequin Centre in Watford marks another exciting step in our continued expansion as we look to bring our brand to more customers across the UK. This new location reflects our commitment to investing in great retail destinations, which can be seen in our shop fit design and quality. As we continue to grow, we are focused on opening stores in high footfall shopping centres and key high street locations that help us build brand awareness and reach new customers. Through our experience, we know that a store size of around 1,200–2,000 sq. ft works best for us, allowing us to deliver the right product offer while driving optimum retail density. We are looking at opening 10-15 new stores over the next 24 months. The Harlequin store has also created new local jobs and provides customers with access to our full offering, supporting key life moments from weddings and proms to first jobs and special occasions. We’ve also introduced our exclusive Ted Baker casual range this April, expanding our offer beyond tailoring. What sets us apart is our people, combining strong product expertise with world-class service that will continue to set us apart from the competition and ensure every customer leaves feeling confident they’ve found the right look for their occasion.”
Amanda Argent, Retail Director, Suit Direct
“Welcoming Suit Direct to Harlequin underlines the strength of the destination and the confidence brands have in its performance. The recent opening is a clear endorsement of our ability to drive footfall and commercial results. Suit Direct enhances our fashion offer, strengthens the menswear category, and supports our focus on securing brands with long-term commitment to the centre.”
Rob Jewell, Managing Director, Asset Management at Pradera
Suit Direct said it plans multiple additional store openings over the next 24 months as part of its wider UK growth pipeline.
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