TM Lewin boosts its womenswear

Tailoring retailer TM Lewin has appointed its first womenswear designer as it expands its women's tailoring offer. Chris Thornton previously worked at Karen Millen and Whistles.

Womenswear, which makes up 18% of sales at the business, will be expanded into more styles. It will also get more space in store.

Chief executive Geoff Quinn said: "Until now womenswear has been an add-on. We need more space and to put it into more shops."

The chain, which focuses on formal shirt offers such as four for £100, wants to expand its range with lightweight knits and outerwear. Tailoring has grown to 20% of sales compared with 14% the year before.

TM Lewin plans to open nine stores before October and relaunch its website, which will allow customers to shop in other currencies as well as sterling. About 30% of all its mail order comes from international sales.