Occasion for Every Tie! (Tie Rack)

Member Name: Good_Guy

Product:	Tie Rack
Date:	18/06/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick in-out sort of shop.

Disadvantages: Messy and confusing.

As the recession bites harder, is there a return to more formal dressing? A crisp shirt and a sharp tie give a man the edge. When times get tough, smart men put on a smart tie. This should be great news for Tie Rack. It first opened its doors in 1981. I say doors but Tie Rack is best known for its open kiosk style retail outlets that we have all come across in shopping malls and airports, leading the niche retailing boom of the 1980s. But it didn't last. A couple of years back the Italian Fingen Group acquired Tie Rack, its strategy apparently has been to rebrand as a 'contemporary fashion destination' with a broader offering than just ties and I was interested to see how things were taking shape.

Have the Italians done the business? No one does quality and style quite like the Italians. I couldn't fault the selection of ties, there was something for every bloke, but this shop was so awash with ties, scarves, gloves, cufflinks, bags, hats, capes and men's accessories that it all just looked messy. Scarves and ties hung off overcrowded rails with no clear pricing structure. Rather than a message of quality, what came through was 'quantity at knock-down prices': '3 for 2' signs seemed to have been attached to every item on sale. But why complain? I like a bargain.

I just get the impression that Tie Rack have lost their way; they certainly are not the force the once were. But, to be fair, that's a sign of the times. Maybe my opening statement was misplaced; perhaps the majority are still dressing down!

Summary: Choice but not clear on what's on offer here.