| Monsoon Fashion Clothing Best Buys

Monsoon is axing menswear to make room for an improved womenswear offer

As reported in Retail Week, this time last year, Monsoon said it will phase out the menswear category, which it sells in 43 of its 246 Monsoon stores, in order to develop a range of other initiatives.

It confirmed that the following September Monsoon will relaunch footwear and accessories, which will include an exclusive jewellery range designed by ethical jewellery brand Made.

Monsoon confirmed a focus on recycled materials

A Monsoon spokeswoman said: “Made represent an excellent ethical brand fit for Monsoon with their creative use of recycled materials.”

In October 2009 the retailer indicated it would introduce its first full lingerie collection at 100 shops.

The spokeswoman said: “Monsoon is confident these fantastic new areas, as well as the continued development of the core offer, will further enhance our brand positioning on the high street.”

Monsoon originally planned to roll out standalone menswear stores when it launched the offer in 2004. But, in 2007 it decided to close its two standalone menswear shops in London and Newcastle.