Quiz Clothing Charts Growth With UK Store Expansion

Quiz Clothing has recently marked a significant turnaround, reporting a return to growth following a challenging period in its history. This positive momentum is now translating into tangible expansion, with the company announcing plans to re-enter store expansion mode across the UK.

Following a comprehensive operational streamlining strategy initiated in February, the Scotland-based group is set to open between five and ten new UK stores over the next twelve months. While seeking sites across various regions, Quiz Clothing will particularly focus on key areas such as London and the south, aiming to establish locations that effectively showcase its extended product offering.

The blueprint for these upcoming stores was unveiled last month, with the Braehead, Glasgow, location serving as the design prototype. Spanning 1,800 sq ft, the new concept features a "softer design concept" accentuated by elegant white and gold fittings. This design aims to create an "elevated and aspirational environment" for customers, further enhanced by in-store screens displaying video-led campaign content and improved digital offerings.

Beyond store aesthetics, the brand is also broadening its appeal through an expanded product range. This includes coordinated separates, contemporary tailoring, and a diverse selection of day-to-evening dresses. Customer feedback on these additions has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular appreciation for attention to fits, extended sizing options, and enhanced fabrications, contributing to a notable 20% uplift in sales across the business in September.

CEO Sheraz Ramzan expressed strong confidence in the company's new direction, stating, "We have evolved our retail formula and, encouraged by a strong uplift in [like-for-like] retail sales over the summer, we are confident the new strategy is working." Ramzan further detailed the plan to expand in "the right locations through units that provide the best possible backdrop for our extended product offering," underpinned by an improved capital expenditure and return model, coupled with more flexible lease terms.

This retail growth is not solely driven by new store openings but is also robustly supported by international franchise partners, an enhanced concession model, and the expansion of online partnerships. The brand recently reported an impressive average 14% uplift in like-for-like store sales during July and August, with online sales also experiencing a healthy 5% like-for-like growth in the same period.

Quiz Clothing currently operates a network of 40 stores within the UK, complemented by its extensive system of UK and international franchise and online partners, all contributing to its renewed market presence and positive trajectory.