Moss Bros
ActiveOverview
Moss Bros Group operates as a UK-based menswear retailer specializing in suits, formalwear, shirts, jackets, ties, shoes, and accessories, with 113 shops across the country. Known for pioneering ready-to-wear suits since the 19th century, it offers retail, hire, and tailoring services targeting formal occasions and daily professional wear.214
History
Moss Bros Group was founded in 1851 by Moses Moss, who opened two shops in London's Covent Garden selling second-hand clothing and later pioneered ready-to-wear suits from Savile Row offcuts. The company expanded through family leadership after Moses's death in 1894, moved to key locations like King Street, and grew via acquisitions such as the Blazer chain in 1996 and franchise agreements with Hugo Boss and Canali. It delisted from the London Stock Exchange in 2020 after operating as a public company, introduced services like Moss Bespoke in 2010 and Tailor-Me in 2016, and sold off Hugo Boss and Cecil Gee shops in 2011.231
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Suits | Ready-to-wear formal suiting | $150 - $800 |
| Formal Hire | Suit and tuxedo rental | $100 - $300 |
| Shirts & Ties | Dress shirts and accessories | $50 - $150 |
| Jackets & Coats | Casual and formal outerwear | $100 - $400 |
| Shoes | Formal footwear | $100 - $250 |
| Tailor-Me | High street personalization service | $200 - $600 |
Manufacturing
Products are sourced as ready-to-wear items, with historical roots in repurposing Savile Row offcuts for suits; current manufacturing details are not specified, indicating outsourced production typical for retail menswear. Tailoring services like Tailor-Me are offered in stores.245
Notable Products
- Ready-to-Wear Suits - Pioneering suits made from Savile Row offcuts, foundation of the company's formalwear line.
- Tailor-Me Suits - Personalized suiting service introduced in 2016 for high street customization.
- Hugo Boss Franchise Suits - Standalone shops run until sold back to Hugo Boss in 2011.
- Canali Boutiques - Luxury Italian tailoring boutiques opened from 2000.
- Blazer Chain Suits - Casual suiting acquired from Storehouse in 1996.
Reputation
Moss Bros is recognized by menswear professionals as a longstanding UK retailer with heritage in ready-to-wear suits and formal hire, valued for accessibility and store network. Enthusiasts appreciate its tailoring innovations like Tailor-Me but note criticisms around delisting in 2020 and sales of premium franchises, potentially impacting luxury perception.24