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Rembrandt is finely tuning the art of men’s suiting with trans-Tasman expansion of its eponymous branded stores.

New Zealand-owned Rembrandt opens its first own-brand store on home turf this month (27 January 2012) at 288 Broadway, in Auckland’s Newmarket fashion precinct.

Rembrandt Managing Director David Lyford says this adds to its three Sydney stores – Warringah Mall and Macquarie Centre in the suburbs and Pitt Street Mall in the centre of Sydney city.

By the middle of this year, there will be four New Zealand Rembrandt stores, including three in Auckland and one in Palmerston North.

“Retail is far from easy in the current economic climate and you have to be on top of your game in every respect,” Mr Lyford says. “Achieving success in the demanding Australian retail market has been a real challenge however, it has made us lift our overall performance as a tailored menswear specialist.

“The Rembrandt brand is very well known in New Zealand and it’s great to be showcasing our full collection in the one store.

“Rembrandt began in 1946 as a bespoke tailoring business, and that made-to-measure quality and attention to detail has been carried through all aspects of the business to this day – it has been a key factor behind our success.

“We are conscious of offering quality and experienced advice at an affordable price and to this end we have introduced Rembrandt Custom. Prices for a suit made individually for the customer start at $795. That includes the cut to fit you, the cloth you choose and the opportunity to add your own character by selecting features such as the lining colour and style details.”

Rembrandt is a family-owned business with management headquarters, production and distribution based in Lower Hutt, near Wellington. Designed in New Zealand, garments are crafted at the company’s production facility in Lower Hutt, or made under contract by specialist manufacturers overseas.

Sales split 50-50 across Australia and New Zealand and while suits are the biggest contributor, business shirts, ties, casual shirts and trousers (including denim) now represent a sizeable proportion of sales. Rembrandt is available in more than 250 retailers across the two countries including nine
Rembrandt shops located within the department stores of Smith & Caughey (NZ) and David Jones (Australia).

“Every man needs a suit at some point in his life and as the experts in the field we have found that the majority are looking for a brand of clothing that is stylish, fits well, turns heads, but that won’t make them stand out like a peacock,” Mr Lyford says.

“Not only will they get all that from Rembrandt, but we will also provide helpful advice about how to get the look right. Our credibility comes through our heritage and the service we have delivered for years.”

For more information: www.rembrandt.co.nz

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Quick facts:
Rembrandt is a New Zealand owned family business headed by Managing Director David Lyford.

Designed in New Zealand, garments are crafted at the company’s production facility in Lower Hutt or made under contract by specialist manufacturers overseas. High-end made-to-measure suiting is made in Lower Hutt. Rembrandt is one of the few manufacturers left in New Zealand or Australia capable of producing tailored, structured garments such as men’s suits.

Rembrandt employs 75 people at its Lower Hutt headquarters and another 35 in its retail stores. It also has staff based in Australia and China.

Rembrandt is sold in 250 retailers throughout Australia and New Zealand. There are four Rembrandt stores – Sydney (Macquarie Centre, Warringah Mall, Mid City Centre Pitt St Mall) and Auckland (288 Broadway Newmarket).

Brands are – Rembrandt, Kent & Lloyd and Wayward Heir. The company also manufactures suits for some top designer brands in Australia and New Zealand.

Rembrandt began in Wellington in 1946. For more information on the company’s history www.rembrandt.co.nz

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