Calvin and Ryan Smith are set to launch new flagship stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with ambitious plans for further expansion in the UAE and UK markets.

Calvin Smith and Ryan Smith, longtime friends who initially met while working in sales roles in Dubai, are gearing up for significant business expansion for their bespoke tailoring company, Suited & Booted. The duo is set to launch a new store in Abu Dhabi and has plans for further stores across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as potential growth within the UK market.

In an exclusive interview with The Herald, Calvin Smith outlined the business’s strategic goals for expansion in the coming months. He affirmed that “further expansion into the UK is definitely an option” and expressed ambitions for “massive plans for regional expansion within the Middle East.” The Smiths emphasized their immediate focus is on launching two “flagship” stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where Calvin Smith pointed out that they have “quite an imminent plan” for additional locations.

Construction for the new Dubai store is already underway, following the signing of a lease agreement. The business is also in the final stages of discussions for another location in Abu Dhabi. The new outlets are intended to replace the original stores that have been operating in these cities since the company’s inception six years ago in Dubai and two years ago in Abu Dhabi.

Suited & Booted, which has a workforce of approximately 90 employees primarily based in the UAE, originally began as a “travelling tailor” service, created by Ryan Smith roughly seven years ago. This mobile service enabled him to cater to clients outside of a traditional retail setting before partnering with Calvin to establish the Suited & Booted brand.

Both men reported robust growth of the business, with Calvin Smith emphasizing that the shops “are just doing incredibly well,” evidenced by increasing client numbers and revenue. “The growth has been massive. It has grown a high percentage every year,” Calvin Smith remarked, describing the company as having achieved “exponential growth” across various revenue streams.

Reflecting on their journey, Calvin Smith recounted their background in sales and customer service, stating, “Because we were both Smith as well, it was like meeting the brother you never knew you had – the brother by choice.” Ryan Smith echoed this sentiment, noting how rewarding it has been to run the business together.

The new Dubai store is slated to be a “show-stopping store,” with Calvin Smith asserting that it will be the “best suit shop in the world in terms of the scale and the finish of it.” Additionally, the Dubai outlet will feature casual wear alongside their traditional suit offerings, including made-to-measure knitwear starting at around £250.

Ryan Smith highlighted their focus on delivering superior customer service and quality products from the outset: “From our side, that has been our plan from the start.” The business has garnered strong connections within the sports world, with notable figures such as golfer Lee Westwood and football personalities including Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard among their clients.

The Glasgow store, which offers made-to-measure suits starting at approximately £950 to £1,000, has reportedly exceeded initial expectations, with positive customer feedback driving a community-centered brand approach. Calvin Smith noted, “The biggest confidence we are taking from that is how happy people are that are coming back and are starting to tell their friends.”

Beyond their current operations, the company is exploring brand partnerships, including a role as the official formalwear partner for the Reignwood Icons of Football golf event scheduled for early March in Thailand. This reflects the growing recognition of Suited & Booted in the fashion and sports event landscapes.

Overall, Suited & Booted continues to focus on its expansion strategy while maintaining its commitment to quality bespoke tailoring and strong customer relations. The Smiths remain optimistic about the future, with plans for growth that reflect their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the craft.

Source: Noah Wire Services