A New Zealand menswear business specialising in formal wear has announced it is closing six nationwide stores.
Munns Menswear and Suit Hire has been operating for more than 100 years, but with the casualisation of men's fashion, and the arrival of global high-street labels, it's been forced to shut down.
Since opening its Christchurch store in 1918, Munns has been a menswear and suit hire institution. Now, in its 101st year of operation, it's shutting up shop.
Wally Wilson, Munns co-owner, says it's much harder to make money in today's market, especially with the casualisation of men's fashion.
The suit, like the tie, is "going downhill very quickly", Wilson says.
All six of Munns stores are closing down, three in Auckland and one in Wellington, Hamilton, and Christchurch.
Between 60 and 70 staff will lose their jobs - including Gavin Duncan who has worked for the company for almost a decade.
"[It's] very sad really, yeah. I've been here for a long time and all the staff have been here for ages so yeah, pretty sad at the moment," Duncan says.
Wilson says the customers are the most upset.
"Every day I've been standing in this part of the shop welcoming people in, I've almost come to tears several times, because the customers just about are."
One customer, Martin Pinkham, says if you want something special, you come to Munns.
A huge portion of stock was moved off the racks with one last massive sale.
Newshub.
