Clothing retailer lifts lid on new flagship store

Clothing retailer Brigdens has opened the doors to its new flagship store in the heart of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.

The store, which is situated in Iron Gate, offers combined formal and casual wear across two floors.

Its aim is to offer a greater integration of smart casual wear alongside traditional tailoring and ladies and gentleman’s country wear.

Brigdens began in the late 1800s and has had a retail presence in Derby ever since – firstly opening a store in the Market Place and then in Iron Gate.

The flagship store has been created in a building which is steeped in history.

It has been created at the former Emily Brigden store – inside a Grade II listed building, which dates to the 18th Century.

According to Brigdens, it hopes its “significant” reinvestment in the Cathedral Quarter will help herald renewed interest in this part of the city.

Nigel Sutherland, managing director at Brigdens, said: “We are very proud to be part of Derby’s history.

“Our business has had a presence in the area for over a century in many different guises.

“Although the area has seen a decline in recent years, we hope our positive investment here in the Cathedral Quarter will see a resurgence in interest for this important part of Derby.

“We are continuing to work with key people in the community and want to help restore the city centre to some of its former glory.”

As well as offering smart casual wear, along with special occasion wear, all under one roof, the new store also combines a workshop on the second floor where alterations to garments are carried out using the latest machinery.

Nigel said: “Although the internet has seen a move away from traditional retailing for many retailers, our customers continue to support us and constantly remind us that purchasing clothing online can be difficult.

“Our own online sales continue to grow – and the new focus of our own tailoring alongside British cloths is delivering a quality garment that we believe is unsurpassed in the present market.”