Anything that makes taking risks - arguably the only way to fight your way out - harder is a serious problem’Hit or Miss
Autumn 11
Hit or Miss - Menswear Autumn 11
In the third and final of this season’s surveys, menswear retailers at Westfield Stratford took an everyman approach for autumn 11 with style options galore.
River Island
A first-rate product offer, but prices and in-store merchandising aren’t as competitive.
Superdry
A limited knitwear range and too many plaid shirts characterise this season’s product offer.
All Saints
A limited chino offer takes the gloss off a strong knitwear offer and the in-store music is too loud.
Burton
Dull mannequins fail to do justice to a solid collection in which chinos and knits stand out.
Topman
Standout product with a strong pricing architecture in one of Stratford’s most impressive stores
Marks and Spencer
Although sub-brands tick the right product boxes the store is let down by poor menswear signage.
Spring 11
Hit or Miss Menswear - Spring 11
For this season’s third and final Hit or Miss report, Drapers headed to Milton Keynes to scrutinise the major trends and key pieces on offer at high street menswear stores for spring 11.
Marks and Spencer, The Centre MK
Category killer M&S is bang on the money for its target market but a lack of staff hampers service.
Superdry, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre
Superdry’s staple products fit the trend bill perfectly for spring 11 and the store looks great.
Burton, The Centre MK
Burton has the trends covered and the prices are competitive. Shame the store is so tucked away.
John Lewis, The Centre MK
Pub-proof brands for dads who are (mainstream) lads but some of the offer is a bit pricey.
Debenhams, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre
Lots of choice from a variety of sub-brands but this store’s offer would benefit from a heavy edit.
Austin Reed, The Centre MK
Shopping here is about promotions and more promotions, not all of which are crystal clear.
Gap, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre
The store is nearly totally devoid of product. The only saving grace is good value for money.
Bank, The Centre MK
Avoiding the ubiquitous deluge of discount offers and clear merchandising is Bank’s winning ticket.
River Island, The Centre MK
Seldom puts a foot wrong on the product front and the offer this season is no exception.
Topman, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre
Topman scores on the trend front but the store is let down by messy Sale rails towards the front.
Next, The Centre MK
Back to doing what it knows best - fashion for the over 30s - but service levels cost Next marks.
Moss, The Centre MK
Moss is selling suits for everyone and with plenty of promotions. The store needs livening up though.
Bhs, The Centre MK
A good offer for older male customers but the knitwear collection needs a serious rethink.
Republic, The Centre MK
A one-dimensional, unsophisticated experience that has been crammed onto the first floor.
Blue Inc, The Centre MK
Interpretations of best-selling branded looks but these pieces don’t offer value for money.
Autumn 10
Cheltenham town centre is subject to Drapers' scrutiny of Autumn 10 collections
Republic, 174-186 High Street
Republic is a one-trick pony this season - sadly its magic is lost on this branch.
Marks & Spencer, 173-181 High Street
Demonstrating the perfect shopping experience for men - outstanding value.
French Connection, 169 High Street
A total removal of FCUK is a triumph to behold - trade up to quality classics here.
Debenhams, Beechwood Shopping Centre
A depressing store environment that delivers value only on a Blue Cross day.
Moss, 4 Ormond Place
Moss should top the tailoring shops but comes nowhere near rivals in any category.
Spring 10
River Island, Oxford Street
A sophisticated take on spring 10 trends means River Island is totally focused on its customer
Uniqlo, Oxford Street
Great-priced basics but lacks the wow factor of some rival shopping experiences
Massimo Dutti, Oxford Street
Perfectly straddles that awkward space between casualwear and formalwear
Primark, Oxford Street
With key looks at incredible prices, Primark remains a retailing phenomenon, even for men
New Look, Oxford Street
A decent casualwear offer but the New Look experience has yet to really appeal to men
Moss, Oxford Street
No great shakes - Moss is let down by poor service and a confusing promotional stance
Topman, Oxford Circus
A clever mix of trends and prices means shoppers can choose how fashionable to be
John Lewis, Oxford Street
Bold buying and the development of own brand is pushing John Lewis into new territory
French Connection, Oxford Street
An improved image, but there is still work to be done to make this the finished article
Bhs, Oxford Street
A lacklustre experience with product that just about does the job for this audience
H&M, Oxford Circus
Interesting trend interpretations and great prices are only let down by the experience
Burton, Oxford Street
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Burton needs to embrace its mainstream positioning
Gap, Oxford Street
Promotional activity helps value-for-money credibility but full-priced basics don’t cut it
Suits You, Oxford Street
A decent product offer let down by the massive and confusing promotional stance
