Off the cuff

This week we have had two very enthusiastic students from the retail academy doing work placements with us. A whistle stop tour of our shops was in order so they could apply the knowledge to the final product and customer.

Starting with the Square Mile at Fenchurch Street. Into a few
competitors first, leaving the best till last. Moss Bros then Duchamp
(sadly closing down), Thomas Pink, Charles Tyrwhitt.

Then to the City Flagship Lewins store where Peter gave us the lowdown on suit sales. All looking good so far. Shop looked perfectly turned out as did the staff.

Next over to Holborn and Chancery lane for a bit of history. We did a
tour of the amazing wig makers room in Ede and Ravenscroft also bumping into some previous Lewins staff.

The wigs all made for the high court judges can take up to 8 weeks to make. All by hand by one person on site. Amazing! I think I remember being told they are made from horse hair.

A quick shortcut through Lincolns Inn behind Chancery Lane.
The students were amazed such places exist just a stones throw from the West End. They thought they were on the set of a movie.

Then on to the main event over at Jermyn Street. Again a quick history of St James and Jermyn Street, stopping in on Turnbull and Asser where another ex-colleague told me that they had Bruce Willis in the store this week.

Then past Berry Bros, Lock the hatmakers and into John Lobb
to see some shoes being made. Finally we arrived at Lewins main store on Jermyn Street. Champagne and Mince Pies all in full swing. The London town crier also having a quick bite into a pie.

A great Jazz band was on the go instore. Sadly the heavens opened and put a dampener on proceedings so off to the Red Lion for a quick pint before heading home.

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