Menswear brand Moss, previously known as Moss Bros, recently announced its return to the Scottish market, with the opening of a new store under its successful rebranding. The 2,372 sq foot Scottish flagship is the latest addition to the brand’s retail expansion and showcases a new store concept that combines modern design with timeless elegance. It’s new location is in the capital’s St James Quarter, which opened in 2021 and is now a landmark destination offering the largest retail and leisure district the city has ever seen.
The new store format matches Moss’ stride forward in style and service too. Store Manager Paul Maricic commented, “Edinburgh style is a mix of classic and contemporary. The city is a true melting pot, so I can’t wait to show our customers everything we have to offer. The new brand concept, our level of service, competitive pricing and the fact that we offer ready-to-wear, Hire and Custom Made sets us apart from competitors. This season my favourite suit is the Copper Corduroy, for its double-breasted fastening, pointed lapel and retro feel. We also have a huge range of premium staples and unexpected casual lines. The Technical Shacket has a sportier feel and our first range of swimwear is landing very soon.”
In a challenging economy, Moss are standing firm – this year alone they unveiled 10 newly branded stores, taking their current total to 109. So, what’s working for them?
Old Meets New
Edinburgh is one of the most historic and picturesque cities in the UK and the perfect contrast of old meets new. The romanticised landmarks featured in recent Netflix series One Day maintain its character and charm, while the ever-growing population, corporate investment and new developments have created a thriving hub of activity. Moss commented, “We’re immensely proud of our tailoring heritage and the millions of men we’ve dressed since 1851. But while a rich story like this is important, we’ve recognised the need to evolve to offer what people need and want now”.
Prime Positioning
“Shop, live, work, stay, play”, is a popular mantra encouraged by a new wave of leisure districts. “Time Out recently ranked Edinburgh as the 6th most cultural places to be and we’re right in the epicentre”, added Moss. “We’re opening new stores at speed, but also reviewing existing locations and rolling out re-sites to prime spots across the UK. Edinburgh is world-famous, admired for its history and culture as well as its unique style and shopping, so we’re thrilled to be hosting our Scottish flagship there.”
Customer is Key
“Moss continues to grow as a go-to menswear brand on the high street”, the brand commented, “evaluating and evolving what we do, while staying true to our roots, is so important. We need to serve the needs of our existing base, but at the same time entice new customers who perhaps haven’t considered us before. Edinburgh has a unique makeup of customers, from young professionals to families, as well as a particularly strong domestic and international tourist base. We’re in a strong position where our product is to a highly competitive quality, but we’re also able to deliver varying price points with options to buy, hire or go custom-made.”
Experience is Everything
Over the years there’s been a notable shift to online shopping, but Moss really value the importance of physical retail spaces, “Experience is everything. While ecommerce is a growing part of the business, our retail stores still take up a significant proportion of our sales and that’s because our customer still values seeing our product in person, as well as the service they get via 1-to-1 style appointments. The development of our store design has only enhanced this, and we’re excited to re-enter the Scottish market so people can witness it first-hand. The city location is a hub of activity and we’re looking forward to being a part of it.”.
With peak occasions season incoming and Edinburgh’s busiest tourism months also about to kick off, Moss are primed to continue their upward trajectory as they set the standard for retail in Scotland’s capital.
