British heritage menswear brand Marc Darcy celebrates its second consecutive year as a finalist for Menswear Brand of the Year at this year’s Drapers Independent Awards. The industry awards, taking place in September, sees the Manchester-based business officially recognised alongside global brands like Ted Baker, Hugo Boss and Barbour.
The menswear brand, which has been designing and manufacturing old English style formal wear with a modern twist since 1989, has focussed on growing its presence online. In the past 12 months it has worked with high-profile influencers such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Made in Chelsea stars to raise brand awareness among its target audience and showcase the quality of Marc Darcy’s products.
Karen Johal, e-commerce and creative director at Marc Darcy, said: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the Menswear Brand of the Year for the second year running. As a family-run business, to be recognised alongside menswear brand giants like Ted Baker and Hugo Boss is a massive achievement and a reflection on the hard work the entire team has put in over the past year.”
Since launching their website, Marc Darcy has seen a 149% rise in visitors to the site, while year on year, they have seen a 78% increase in revenue. This year, the brand also launched a children’s range, following demand from customers.
Karen said: “The past few years have been ambitious for Marc Darcy as we expand our offering from manufacturing and B2B retailing to become an e-tailer. We have launched a brand new website, increased our online presence and undertaken rigorous influencer marketing, working with the likes of EastEnders’ Danny Dyer, Emmerdale’s Danny Miller, the Made in Chelsea cast and ex-footballers David May and Lee Sharpe, who regularly wear Marc Darcy clothing while on MUTV.
“This year, we also hosted the VIP after party for Danny Miller and Daniel Jillings’ charity ‘Once Upon a Smile’, which was attended by more than 550 guests including over 70 stars from Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, along with footballers and their wives. It was such an honour to be part of such a wonderful event, raising money to provide emotional and practical support to bereaved families.”
Marc Darcy is also an official partner of Cheshire Football Association and the official supplier of professional football clubs Coventry City, Falkirk, Oldham and Bury.
Karen said: “We are extremely excited for what the future holds for Marc Darcy. Over the rest of 2018 we will renovate our Manchester showroom and have a number of special celebrity collaborations in the pipeline, while next year we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary in style.”
