Are you looking for a future tailored to your lifestyle?

Buckinghamshire-based tailoring company Suit the City is defying the downturn in the economy and sales are increasing due to their unique approach to the tailoring market. The secret of its success is an unconventional business model that ticks all the boxes. Suit the City offers excellent value for money to clients while maintaining low overheads and good profit margins for the franchise owners. By avoiding the heavy overheads and the risks associated with retailing, both these goals are achievable.

From Suit the City’s head office near Marlow, businesswomen Carol Rawson and Sallie Belton have built a successful business that offers clients across the UK an exclusive personal tailoring service. Suit the City uses the finest British and European fabrics – many of which are only available to the most expensive Savile Row tailors – to produce exquisite, yet affordable, made-to-measure suits and separates with bespoke detailing for both women and men. The suits start at only £399 for a two-piece suit manufactured in British wool and cashmere, and its most popular suits in Holland & Sherry of Savile Row fabric start at only £820.

Carol Rawson, Managing Director, says: “Suit the City offers exemplary service to its clients, as a result many visit several times a year to stock up on their wardrobe essentials such as business suits and smart separates. Some even order over the telephone, as we build up a close relationship and know their likes and dislikes. The key is in spending one-to-one time with each client – something that can never be achieved in a retail environment.”

Sallie Belton, Director, adds: “Many clients arrive having been disappointed with cheaper ‘bespoke’ suit services that didn’t deliver on their promises. Usually they just cannot find the items that they are looking for on the high street and, what’s more, they don’t want to spend their free time searching for something that fits well in a flattering colour and style. When they come here, they can choose from around 3,000 fabrics and lots of design options and details – they are often like children in a sweet shop!”

A made-to-measure franchise opportunity

The company has now recruited its first two franchise owners for the men’s market and has big plans for at least 50 franchises across the UK. Women’s franchises will be available to those franchise owners that have successfully completed their training in the men’s market.

Investing in a Suit the City franchise is a low risk business opportunity, offering the potential for excellent financial rewards. The initial three-month training programme is comprehensive and covers all you need to know to measure and advise your clients. Once you understand how to measure, the role is predominantly one of working hard to market your service and following this up with excellent customer service. A combination of making new contacts, client recommendations and referrals will allow you to grow your business and your income in line with your expectations.

The proof is in the pudding, so here’s what some Suit the City clients say…

“I am a Personal Style Consultant so looking good in the perfect colour and style is really important to me professionally. It has been a revelation being able to choose from their vast range of fabrics in amazing colours that you just don’t find ‘off the peg’.

“It’s not just formal suiting – I have had a fantastic pair of casual linen/silk trousers made that could be dressed up or down in a colour that you just don’t find on the high street. Suit the City gives you a bespoke service that allows you to express your individuality through your clothes at a very affordable price. Thank you Sallie and Carol for a unique experience – I can’t wait for the next fitting.”
Bekki James, House of Colour

“No more buying suits that cost lots, nearly fit and which end up in the back of the wardrobe unworn! Sallie and Carol are experts at translating individual needs into measurements and advising on styles and materials. Nothing is too much bother for them.

“So much better than spending mind-numbing hours on the web or in high street shops. Worth every penny to have clothes that I can wear with confidence and comfort.”
A. Storey