Hawes & Curtis Company Profile

Background

Overview

Hawes & Curtis is a British fashion company renowned for its high-quality menswear and womenswear, specializing in fine tailoring and accessories. Established in 1913 by tailors Ralph Hawes and George Frederic Curtis, the brand has a rich heritage in British fashion, particularly noted for its shirts and jackets. The company operates over 20 stores in the United Kingdom, with its flagship store located on London's prestigious Jermyn Street. Additionally, Hawes & Curtis has expanded its presence internationally with stores in Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

Mission and Vision

Hawes & Curtis is committed to delivering timeless tailoring with modern styling, offering innovative, quality pieces at outstanding value. The brand aims to provide sartorial essentials for every occasion, from professional settings to special events, ensuring customers experience both luxury and affordability.

Industry Significance

As a quintessentially British brand, Hawes & Curtis holds a significant position in the fashion industry, particularly in the realm of formalwear. Its longstanding history and association with British tailoring traditions have established it as a respected name among both domestic and international clientele. The brand's commitment to quality and service has been recognized through multiple Royal Warrants, underscoring its esteemed reputation.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Hawes & Curtis focuses on expanding its product offerings, enhancing its online presence, and increasing its international footprint. The brand aims to adapt to changing consumer behaviors by introducing new product categories and leveraging e-commerce to reach a broader audience.

Areas of Specialization

The company specializes in fine tailoring, offering a range of products including formal shirts, suits, blazers, and accessories. In response to evolving market demands, Hawes & Curtis has also ventured into casualwear and loungewear, reflecting its adaptability and commitment to meeting diverse customer needs.

Key Technologies Utilized

Hawes & Curtis employs various technologies to enhance its operations, including e-commerce platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and digital marketing tools. The brand has also integrated online payment solutions to facilitate international transactions, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for its global customer base.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

The company primarily targets the UK market, with a focus on cities like London, where it has a significant presence. Internationally, Hawes & Curtis has expanded into Germany and the UAE, aiming to cater to customers seeking British tailoring and formalwear. The brand also emphasizes its online presence to reach customers across Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In 2002, entrepreneur Touker Suleyman acquired Hawes & Curtis for £1, taking on the company's debts and liabilities. Under his ownership, the brand has experienced significant growth and expansion.

Recent Financial Performance

In the year ending December 2024, Hawes & Curtis reported a pre-tax profit of £3.7 million, a decrease from £4.7 million in 2023 and £7.8 million in 2022. Despite this decline, the company's turnover increased from £43.8 million to £46.7 million during the same period. The brand also reported an 8.7% increase in like-for-like sales and an 18% rise in total online sales.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Hawes & Curtis plans to invest in its online business to capitalize on opportunities in both domestic and overseas markets, with a particular focus on the United States and other growth markets. The company aims to enhance its e-commerce capabilities and expand its international presence.

Pipeline Development

Product Expansion

In response to changing consumer behaviors, Hawes & Curtis introduced its first luxury loungewear collection in January 2021. This collection includes hooded sweatshirts, crewneck sweatshirts, sweatpants, and T-shirts made from organic cotton, catering to the growing demand for casual and comfortable apparel.

International Expansion

The brand has expanded its international footprint with stores in Germany and the UAE, aiming to cater to customers seeking British tailoring and formalwear. Additionally, Hawes & Curtis has a significant online presence, serving customers across Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Hawes & Curtis utilizes various technologies to enhance its operations, including e-commerce platforms, CRM systems, and digital marketing tools. The brand has integrated online payment solutions to facilitate international transactions, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for its global customer base.

Significant Scientific Methods

The company employs data analytics to understand customer preferences and optimize inventory management. Additionally, Hawes & Curtis utilizes digital marketing strategies, including search engine optimization (SEO) and social media engagement, to reach a broader audience and enhance brand visibility.

Leadership Team

Touker Suleyman – Chairman

Touker Suleyman is a British-Turkish Cypriot fashion retail entrepreneur, investor, and reality television personality. He acquired Hawes & Curtis in 2002 and has since transformed it into a globally recognized brand. Suleyman is also known for his role as a 'Dragon' on the BBC's "Dragons' Den."

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The British menswear market is characterized by a mix of heritage brands and contemporary labels, with a strong emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and British tailoring traditions. The market has seen shifts towards casual and loungewear, influenced by changing consumer lifestyles and preferences.

Competitor Analysis

Hawes & Curtis faces competition from several established brands:

T.M.Lewin: Founded in 1898, T.M.Lewin is a British retailer specializing in shirts, suits, and accessories. The company operates both physical stores and a robust online presence.

Moss Bros Group: Established in 1851, Moss Bros is a British retailer known for its formalwear and tailoring services. The company offers a wide range of suits and accessories, catering to both men and women.

Charles Tyrwhitt: Founded in 1986, Charles Tyrwhitt specializes in dress shirts, ties, suits, casualwear, shoes, and accessories. The company operates both physical stores and a significant online presence.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Hawes & Curtis has established partnerships with various organizations, including sports teams and events, to enhance brand visibility and reach new customer segments. For instance, the brand has been associated with the Jockey Club and is set to become the official tailors for the English Cricket Team and the Welsh National Rugby Team.

Operational Insights

The company operates in a competitive retail environment, facing challenges such as changing consumer behaviors, economic fluctuations, and the need to adapt to digital retail trends. Hawes & Curtis differentiates itself through its rich heritage, commitment to quality, and expansion into new product categories and markets.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Hawes & Curtis plans to continue expanding its product offerings, particularly in the casual and loungewear segments, to meet evolving consumer demands. The brand aims to enhance its online presence and e-commerce capabilities to reach a broader international audience. Additionally, Hawes & Curtis seeks to strengthen its partnerships and collaborations to increase brand visibility and market penetration.

Future Business Directions

The company is focusing on international expansion, particularly in the United States and other growth markets, to capitalize on the global demand for British tailoring. Hawes & Curtis is also investing in digital transformation to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency.