Sainsbury’s looking to grow menswear

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s is expanding its Tu clothing menswear as it states that clothing for men presents a “strong growth opportunity” for the retailer.

Sainsbury’s is currently the sixth largest retailer of clothing by volume and holds market-leading positions in childrenswear and womenswear, and it is looking to add to its menswear collections that saw sales increase by 13 percent in the six months to September 25.

With research by Mintel showing that sales of men’s clothing is expected to reach 17.2 billion pounds in 2020, Sainsbury’s is seeing the development of its menswear offering as an “increasing priority”.

The retailer added 17 new lines, representing a 33 percent increase in the range in the last six months, with wool-rich suits and blazers being stand out categories, which have seen a 75 percent sales growth.

With that in mind, the supermarket launched two Harris Tweed men’s jackets in around 10 stores across the UK, as well as launching new premium lines such as 100 percent Merino wool jumpers from sportswear brand Admiral, lambswool-rich knitwear and tailored suits.

Sainsbury’s grows formal menswear range

Sainsbury’s Argos commercial director, James Brown, said: “The menswear clothing market is an exciting area of growth. Men are increasingly shopping for themselves and we’re focussed on making it easier and more convenient for them.

“The modern man wants choice and our Tu ranges are ideal as they offer on-trend and quality styles at fantastic value. We continue to invest in our ranges to ensure that our customers find the great quality and choice they expect from Sainsbury’s and our formalwear collections are proving to be a hit. Our Harris Tweed jackets are a great example of how we’re innovating to ensure we’re offering our customers – male and female – a choice of high-quality products at great prices.”

Kantar data has revealed that 65 percent of people, both men and women now buy clothes in supermarkets and 1 pound in every 10 pounds is spent on clothing, footwear or accessories in a supermarket.

Last year, more than 35 million Sainsbury’s baskets contained clothing, with men buying clothing for themselves seeing an increase with some 54 percent of Tu menswear now bought by men, an increase of 23 percent over two years.

Brown added: “Shopping for clothing in supermarkets has become firmly established and our strategy of offering customers high street style at supermarket prices in an attractive, department store-style setting has helped us to increase our market share.”

Image: courtesy of Sainsbury’s