Men's Wearhouse National Suit Drive Continues to Battle Unemployment

Company aims to collect 110,000 professional clothing items for Americans re-entering the workforce

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Jun 28, 2012, 09:02 ET

HOUSTON, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This July, Men's Wearhouse will host its fifth annual National Suit Drive to give unemployed men a chance to look their best as they re-enter the workforce. Each year, National Suit Drive, the nation's largest collection of gently used business attire for men, encourages Americans to transform their unwanted businesswear into a fresh start for millions of disadvantaged workers still facing joblessness.

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In 2012, more than 900 Men's Wearhouse and Men's Wearhouse and Tux stores collectively hope to gather 110,000 items through National Suit Drive and distribute them to approximately 200 nonprofit organizations around the country. Together, these organizations offer support when unemployed Americans need it most:

Building Them Up: For many men with barriers to employment, the clothing they receive through National Suit Drive gives them a confident first step toward a second chance. Partnering nonprofit organizations provide essential skills and training that will help transform these men on their journey to self-sufficiency.
Filling the Gap: Despite 3.5 million jobs currently available, 42.8% of unemployed Americans have been jobless for at least 27 weeks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies are hiring, yet wavering optimism leaves unemployed Americans hesitant, and National Suit Drive helps rebuild their confidence.
Dressing the Part: Americans agree that the way a man dresses says a lot about his character. According to the nationwide Well-Dressed Men Survey, 67% of Americans polled believe well-dressed men are more confident, and 55% believe they're more sophisticated — proving that the power of a suit cannot be underestimated in the workplace.

"At Men's Wearhouse, we believe every man should own at least one great suit," said Doug Ewert, President and Chief Executive Officer at Men's Wearhouse. "First impressions are critical, and having the right outfit builds confidence, particularly in a job interview. In the past five years of National Suit Drive, we have collected more than a quarter of a million pieces of business attire, which have helped thousands of men confidently re-enter the workforce."

This year's National Suit Drive has already captured celebrity attention – stars showed their support by personally styling professional suit looks to donate to unemployed men in need. Actress Amanda Seyfried, actor and producer Tyler Perry, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Tony Award winner John Larroquette all participated at the National Suit Drive booth at the 2012 Tony Award's Backstage Creations Celebrity Retreat.

People can continue to raise awareness by visiting the Men's Wearhouse Facebook tab to share images and videos or to track donations with a live donations counter. They can also follow the conversation on Twitter @MensWearhouse for real-time updates with #giveasuit. For every National Suit Drive mention on Facebook and Twitter, Men's Wearhouse will contribute $1 (up to $25,000) to the cause.

To donate clothing to the National Suit Drive, patrons may go to any one of more than 900 Men's Wearhouse and Men's Wearhouse and Tux stores around the country to contribute their gently used men's suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts, and shoes. Women's professional clothing items are accepted as well. All donated garments are distributed to local nonprofit partners that prepare men and women to re-enter the job market through resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and skills-training programs. This year, dress shoes and big and tall business attire are in especially high demand.

For every suit donated, Men's Wearhouse will give two business ties to the cause. As a thank you, donors will receive a coupon for 50% off the regular price of all retail items (excluding shoes and Everyday Low Price items) for their next Men's Wearhouse purchase, as well as a tax receipt.

About Men's Wearhouse
Founded in 1973, Men's Wearhouse is one of North America's largest specialty retailers of men's apparel, with 1,162 stores. The Men's Wearhouse, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of men's designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories and Men's Wearhouse and Tux stores carry a limited selection. Most K&G stores carry a full selection of women's apparel. Tuxedo rentals are available in the Men's Wearhouse, Moores and Men's Wearhouse and Tux stores. Additionally, Men's Wearhouse operates a global corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Twin Hill in the United States and Dimensions and Alexandra in the United Kingdom.

For additional information on Men's Wearhouse, please visit the Company's websites at www.menswearhouse.com, www.kgstores.com, www.mooresclothing.com, www.twinhill.com, www.dimensions.co.uk and www.alexandra.co.uk

Online Media Room and Photos: 2012 National Suit Drive Media Room

SOURCE Men's Wearhouse