DATE: Friday, March 21, 1997                TAG: 9703190129

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 21   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   50 lines

MEN'S CLOTHING WEARHOUSE JOINS MARKETCENTER SHOPS

The Men's Wearhouse, a national specialty retailer of men's tailored clothing, opened their first Hampton Roads location at Greenbrier MarketCenter off Greenbrier Parkway.

The company carries a broad line of high quality designer and private label merchandise, including suits, sport jackets, ties, tuxedos, shoes and accessories.

Founded in 1973 by George Zimmer, the company claims to be one of the nation's largest retailers of men's business attire and the second largest retailer of men's suits.

John Martinez, regional manager for the chain, said customers can expect to find quality merchandise at 25 to 30 percent off department store prices.

``Our merchandise is all first quality,'' said Martinez. ``We do not carry any seconds. We're able to purchase our merchandise in large quantities and that's how we manage such high discounts,'' he added.

Designer and brand names include Pierre Cardin, Chaps, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren. In addition, the company carries several brand names it manufactures or owns the name rights to including Vito Rufold, an Italian design clothing manufacturer, and Botany 500.

Suit prices range from $199 to $500 and sport jackets run from $149 to $279. Ties range from $22.99 to $39.99 for designer labels.

The Men's Wearhouse carries suits and sports jackets in sizes ranging from 35 short to 60 long.

Martinez said the sales staff specializes in personalized service. The Chesapeake store currently employs four sales people and two tailors.

Martinez said the store charges a small, one-time fee for alterations.

``If a customer gains or loses weight after he buys a suit, we'll alter the suit for free,'' said Martinez. ``And we'll press the garment for life, so if a customer is on his way to a business meeting, he can stop by the nearest location and have his suit pressed.''

Martinez said the store's inventory consists of 3,500 units in clothing alone, 6,000 units of clothing, shoes and accessories.

The Men's Wearhouse is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and is a publicly owned company traded on the NASDAQ Market under the symbol ``SUIT.'' According to Martinez, the company's suit sales last year were in excess of $500 million.

The Men's Wearhouse has opened more than 300 stores nationwide, most of them in large cities such as Chicago, Denver and Houston. The company said it seeks areas of high-density with middle to high incomes.

Martinez said the company plans on opening several more stores in Virginia, including Richmond and Hampton Roads.

``Our goal is to open 50 stores a year,'' said Martinez.

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