MICHAEL DURU CLOTHIERS: A WELL-FOCUSED NICHE

[metaslider id=111667] How does a small specialty menswear store in Shrewsbury, New Jersey compete with a newly renovated 40,000 square-foot luxury men’s and women’s fashion powerhouse right down the road? (If you can’t guess, we’re talking about Garmany in Red Bank… For more on them, check our site next week…)

In addition to exceptional service, the secret sauce at Michael Duru Clothiers is a focused assortment of differentiated quality product. Starting out as a custom clothing business, the store now does about 45 percent of its business in custom/made-to-measure. Exceptional off the rack clothing (suits and sportcoats) is clearly gaining ground. Successful brands include Lubiam, Ravazzola, Tallia and Peerless private label in clothing (about 65 percent of their clothing business is store brand).

In sportswear and furnishings, hot brands include Peter Millar, MAC, Gimos, Alberto, Hook & Albert, Johnston & Murphy, Michael Toschi and many more. Custom clothing is also available in their New York City showroom where Michael Duru goes regularly to purchase luxury fabrics and conduct fittings.

Bottom line, says Matt Duru, “We know our customers well, offer them a great mix of product that’s not sold down the street, and then service them to the max.” They also have experienced sellers and sponsor fabulous luxury events, always with a charity component, geared to their top customers.

Not a bad formula indeed.