Apparel took a moment to chat with specialist menswear tailors Rembrandt to check in on how the company has celebrated their 70th year of sartorial excellence in the Australasian industry.
Established in 1946, Rembrandt Suits Ltd began as a bespoke tailor that evolved into a manufacturer, a wholesaler and over recent years, a retailer with stores in New Zealand and Australia. Rembrandt is celebrating their 70th year in business this year.
“We are very proud of this exciting milestone, marking our 70 years of sartorial excellence,” Suzanne Roff, marketing and E-commerce at Rembrandt said.
The company held the first of its celebrations in April at their new Auckland City flagship store on Shortland Street. Guests included suppliers and customers, many who have become good friends and have helped get Rembrandt where it is today.
In 1945, the business of Bert Churchill Tailors, located in Vivian Street, Wellington, was bought by Alex Harrison, a cutter, and registered as a company on 17 December 1945. This date is the start of the long journey taken by the company. Rembrandt has come a long way since those early years, now having Rembrandt stores in New Zealand and Australia with garments available in more than 100 of the top menswear stores on both sides of the Tasman.
“The biggest challenge has been transitioning from being a manufacturer to being a wholesaler and now being known as a modern and stylish retail brand,” David Lyford, managing director said.
The retail division has expanded in a considered fashion over the last five years, sometimes taking over the reins from an existing customer, but more recently by opening new stores in key locations.
Since the beginning, the goal has always been to create men’s clothing that looks great, fits perfectly, is made from the world’s best fabric and represents excellent value. Proudly locally owned and operated, Rembrandt continues to make suits in their own factory in New Zealand while working alongside offshore manufacturers who share this commitment to quality.
Rembrandt is the only New Zealand retailer with a tailoring factory in New Zealand.
“Our factory gives us the opportunity to offer a full tailoring solution including manufacturing, alterations and suit hire,” Lyford said.
Rembrandt has built its reputation and success on understanding the principles of classic tailoring, combining them with modern designs and technology, and cloth from the world's finest mills.
This reputation continues to grow as Rembrandt establishes itself as a retailer, opening stores in high profile locations, such as Shortland Street Auckland. Their 14th store will open at St Lukes in July.
Now more than ever, Rembrandt knows that to succeed, their retail staff must offer exceptional customer service, be highly trained in men’s tailoring and focused on ensuring the customer finds what is right for them. If they can’t find it off the rack, the company will happily make it, in New Zealand, through its made to measure service.
“Our clients might be first introduced to Rembrandt for their first job interview or a wedding, with many loyal customers still with us many years later,” Lyford said.
Rembrandt’s online offering supports its bricks and mortar stores.
“It is not uncommon for customers to research on the site before coming in store,” Lyford said.
“But the online experience can never match the expert, personal service a customer receives in store.”
As well as retaining and catering to Rembrandt’s loyal long term clients, the collections also cater to the younger or more fashionable man with a contemporary focus. Rembrandt’s Wayward Heir brand caters to those with a more youthful attitude.
