Get Dapper With These 5 Top Men's Clothing Franchises
Sophie Cole, writer
Looking to starting a men’s clothing franchise? Now could be the ideal time, as market research firm Mintel has revealed that the UK’s male fashion market is worth a whopping £15 billion. Men in the UK are growing more style-conscious with each coming year too, as the industry is expected to grow by 11 percent in the next three years. And leading figures on the UK’s fashion scene agree that there’s never been a better time to start a business selling men’s clothing in the UK. Bosse Myhr, Director of Menswear at Selfridges, explained:
“Menswear has never been as diverse – whatever you’re into you can find clothes you like. Just as importantly, it’s more widely available – good, cool stuff isn’t only found in those traditional big menswear hubs of London, New York, Paris and so on.”
So, if you’re looking to get in on the action and start running your own franchise with men’s fashion in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the industry and some of key players in the men’s clothing world right now.
What does the men’s clothing industry look like?
When it comes to the world of menswear, the way that men and women shop has a few marked differences. More than a fifth of men spent more than £100 during their last shopping trip, compared to just 12 percent of women. Men are also likely to opt for items that are higher quality, prioritising quality over quantity, with more than 70 percent saying quality is one of the most important things they look for in their garments, as opposed to 64 percent of women (fashionbeans.com).
Menswear has also become a less designer-dominated world too, with industry sources noting that quality-driven, more affordable brands have experienced a boom over the last three decades. The way that men dress has also experienced an expansion akin to the world of womenswear, with brands emerging to cater to every kind of man, occasion and mood.
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How has men’s clothing changed?
Over the years, it’s become much more acceptable for every man to be interested in fashion, in the same way that grooming has also grown to become the norm. Also, a cultural shift towards more relaxed dress codes has also opened up new styling possibilities for men, introducing patterns, street and sportswear-inspired garments and improved comfort in men’s clothing.
New brands at every price point have emerged that allow men to find their unique style, with many taking advantage of influencer marketing and the rise of online celebrities to appeal to men in every corner of society. And while online brands, including boohoo MAN, The Idle Man and ASOS, have grown, so too have the stalwarts of the industry such as HUGO BOSS, Ralph Lauren and Gucci, by incorporating more urban flavour and trend-focused styling into their collections.
It’s clear that the men’s fashion world has never been more vibrant and represented such a great business opportunity, so let’s take a look at five of the most exciting men’s clothing retail franchises.
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Tommy Hilfiger
Fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger has been spreading American denim culture across the globe since 1985. The premium label is now one of the most successful in the men’s fashion game, with stores located across the US, Europe, Asia and South America. Building on the trendy 90s nostalgia movement, Tommy Hilfiger has refreshed its collections with a vintage American look that includes bucket hats and old-school polo tops.
The brand is also looking to expand its franchise network. If you’re somebody with experience in the fashion industry and know your local market, you fit the script for the ideal Tommy Hilfiger franchisee. Franchise packages are offered throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the company offers fully developed store concepts. It will also offer supervision in store project management, buying support, visual merchandising and performance management.
If you’re interested in becoming a Tommy Hilfiger franchisee, you can register your interest via its website.
Suit the City
Suit the city is a made-to-measure suit brand that was recognised as one of Elite Franchise’s top 100 franchises in 2019. The company offers an exclusive, personal service with expert advice from its consultant tailors based up and down the UK. Stocking over 3400 fabrics, Suit the City prides itself on offering a customisable service that can suit the style of any customer.
The company is looking for franchisees based in the UK’s key cities that can commit to a long-term investment strategy and grow a high-performing team. As a Suit the City franchisee, you will benefit from lower rents; there’s no need to invest in high street premises. All that is required is a small studio to meet clients.
The key ingredient to Suit the City’s success in the tailoring industry has always been networking. As a new franchisee, you will be expected to have proven networking skills and a desire to grow your brand by making key corporate contacts. If you’re interested in becoming Suit the City’s latest franchisee, you can request an information package via the company’s website.
Reiss
Offering a stylish middle ground between the high street and designer garments, Reiss is one of the world’s most recognisable fashion franchises. As well as chic womenswear, Reiss has a range of highly sophisticated menswear options for every season and occasion, ranging from durable, tailored basics to laidback staples for occasion wear. It has more than 135 stores across the world and is loved by plenty of people, including the UK’s stylish royal family.
The fashion franchise is keen to build its portfolio of franchised stores across the world and is on the lookout for ambitious franchisees who can help take the premium brand to new cities and territories in the UK, United States, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Philippines, Holland, Russia, Canada and beyond.
River Island
River Island has a presence across most of the UK’s cities and towns and offers clothing for both men and women that follows key seasonal trends. Its designer-style clothing allows fashion-conscious men to refresh their wardrobes for every occasion, from nights out to smart workwear to casual weekend dressing.
Though the popular retailer is not looking to expand by franchising in the UK, it has plenty of opportunities across the globe for experienced fashion retailers to help it expand. So, if you’re operating in the Middle East, Europe and the Far East, River Island is keen to talk to you. However, the franchise opportunity is only open to companies that have been operating successfully within the retail sector for a number of years, so individuals cannot apply.
Feeling inspired to start your own business in the world of men’s clothing? Luckily, the final opportunity in our list is looking for franchisees right here on Point Franchise. Say hello to Zip Yard…
Zip Yard
Zip Yard is a British brand that specialises in clothing alterations. Regardless of your fashion dilemma - whether it be a damaged suit lining or trousers that need shortening - Zip Yard’s team of expert tailors are there to help. So, if you’re looking to help the men in your area with speedy alteration services at an affordable price, the clothing franchise could be the ideal opportunity for you.
Zip Yard is looking for new franchise partners here on Point Franchise. In return for a minimum investment of £38,500, Zip Yard offers a full programme of training and support. You will be supervised in how to merchandise your centre, trained in business operations and assisted in devising a marketing launch programme. Zip Yard’s experienced shop fitting team will also help you to design your business premises.
Since the business was founded back in 2005, Zip Yard has climbed its way up the ladder of the tailoring industry to become the UK’s fastest growing alterations company. It strives to deliver an efficient tailoring service that satisfies all customers within a 48-hour turnaround period. If this is a business model that you believe you can lead, you can request more information on our Zip Yard franchise page.
Should I run a men’s clothing franchise?
It’s clear that the world’ of men’s clothing has never been more exciting and that now is a fantastic time to get in on the lucrative industry for anyone. Franchising is also a fantastic way to enter the retail industry, as you’ll have the backing of an experienced retailer and highly recognisable brand name to give you a leg up on your competitors.
It’s also a great way to minimise the initial financial output of entering the industry, as many retailers offer financial assistance that makes the prospect of opening your own men’s clothing franchise much more realistic.
Like the sound of running a men’s clothing franchise? Explore our range of exciting franchises right here, which includes everything from fashion and grooming franchises to retail and design opportunities ideal for every budding businessman or woman.
Sophie Cole, writer