Men's Wearhouse Launches 2nd Annual National Suit Drive
August 19 2009 - 10:28AM
PR Newswire (US)
Career-Wear Leader Sets Goal of Gathering 150,000 Suits To Assist
Those Looking To Re-Enter the Workforce Retailer Teams Up With Over
200 Non-Profits Across 44 States To Provide Professional Work
Attire For Those In Need Men's Wearhouse Helps To Fight
Unemployment One Donated Suit At A Time HOUSTON, Aug. 19
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Determined to empower unemployed men by
providing them with the necessary professional attire that will
build their self-esteem and help "sell themselves" during job
interviews, Men's Wearhouse (NYSE:MW) has announced its second
annual National Suit Drive, September 1-30. Concerned that
thousands of men are unable to secure employment because they lack
the initial, yet vital, step of looking presentable for a job
interview, the nation's leading retailer of men's tailored
clothing, is working with more than 200 local non-profit
organizations throughout the country to collect thousands of
articles of professional attire to be used by individuals looking
to re-enter the workforce. In addition, Men's Wearhouse will donate
one tie for every suit donated to help complete the outfit. All
1,065 Men's Wearhouse and Men's Wearhouse & Tux locations will
serve as drop-off sites for gently used suits, dress shirts, sport
coats, slacks, ties, belts and shoes that will be used to benefit
men in need of these items to transition into the workforce. For a
complete list of locations, please visit
http://www.nationalsuitdrive.com/. "It became apparent many years
ago that there was a long-standing need to help men who are
striving for self-sufficiency," said George Zimmer, CEO and
Chairman of Men's Wearhouse. "We started a Merchandise Donation
Program to provide professional clothing to nonprofit organizations
serving these men. However, our program could not meet the demand,
so we implemented the National Suit Drive to assist us in our
efforts to help less fortunate men by giving them a renewed sense
of dignity and respect. Philanthropy is a major part of our
corporate fabric and given the economic-climate, this year's
National Suit Drive is more important than ever." Last year, the
inaugural suit drive garnered 125,000 professional items over a
two-month period. This year, the company has set a goal of 150,000
items despite the economic downturn and its shortened duration this
year. "The suit may not necessarily make the man, but if you talk
to one of the thousands of men who received a suit last year from
our inaugural suit drive, they'll say it definitely made a
difference in their confidence. I guarantee it," said Zimmer. "We
are very excited to again work together with Men's Wearhouse on the
National Suit Drive campaign," said Jerri Rosen, CEO of Working
Wardrobes in Orange County, CA., one of the more than 200
non-profit organizations working with Men's Wearhouse on the
national event. "Proper professional attire really makes a
difference in our client's life. With these donations, men will
have the opportunity to walk into an interview with confidence --
an essential step toward economic stability." About Men's Wearhouse
Founded in 1973, Men's Wearhouse is one of North America's largest
specialty retailers of men's apparel with 1,284 stores. The Men's
Wearhouse, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of
designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats,
furnishings and accessories. DATASOURCE: Men's Wearhouse CONTACT:
Stefanie Shuman, +1-212-253-4417, , or Kelly Durcan,
+1-212-253-4444, , both for Men's Wearhouse Web Site:
http://www.nationalsuitdrive.com/
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