East Boldon independent menswear brand to open new store in London

Independent menswear retailer, Master Debonair will open a London store this month ahead of plans to launch an own brand suit collection and further stores nationwide in 2019.

Founded by husband and wife team, Simon and Eve Whitaker, just over two years ago, the company now employs 25 people across its North East signature store and head office, where its private showroom, offices and distribution centre are based.

The London store will be at 49 Commercial Street, a stone’s throw from Old Spitalfields Market, and will feature Master Debonair’s entire range of sartorial styles from three-piece suits to overcoats, footwear and accessories.

The store roll-out expects to rocket Master Debonair’s turnover from its current £2m to over £6m in 2019, with staff numbers to increase by another five in Q1 of 2019 and more to follow as new stores open their doors.

E-commerce has also fuelled its growth, seeing investment into digital marketing with an in-house styling team and photography studio in recent months.

Social media continues to drive brand awareness with TV celebrity Pete Wicks fronting its most recent campaign, and Master Debonair’s own Sartorial Seven starring in its social content.

Eve Whitaker of Master Debonair, said: “Master Debonair has grown rapidly from a standing start in just over two years to a nationally-loved brand, with customers travelling to our East Boldon store from as far afield as Northern Ireland or Brighton.

“They come to experience not just our collection but the Debonair way of doing things - we believe everyone can feel great in the right-fitting clothes and have traditional family values that come through in our store experience.

“After spending a lot of time at Pitti Uomo show in Florence researching menswear trends and fabrics, we will launch our own Master Debonair brand suits next month.

“We have also recently introduced children’s suits, home and giftware and dog accessories due to customer requests, and are now seeing more women come in for our classic tailored suits too which is exciting.”

Master Debonair was shortlisted for four Drapers Independents Awards in 2018.

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