Last weekend noticed 80s Casual Classics open the doorways to its newest store in the previous Philip Browne unit at 3 Guildhall Hill in Norwich.
Philip Browne ceased buying and selling in December 2024 after 38 years in enterprise following Frasers Group buying it from JD Sports in March 2023.
Frasers Group-owned Flannels opened a 20,000 sq ft store at Chantry Place in Norwich on the finish of April 2024 – stocking comparable luxurious trend and up to date streetwear manufacturers to what Philip Browne was famend for, sealing the lengthy established menswear impartial’s destiny.
JD Sports acquired 80s Casual Classics in March 2021, however founder Neil Primett was in a position to purchase it again in July 2023 after which opened shops in Derby, Barnsley, Glasgow and Norwich – taking up the previous Elements menswear store in March 2025, which had been buying and selling as a multi-model menswear impartial at 12 Lower Goat Lane in Norwich because the late Nineteen Nineties.
Before the transfer to the previous Philip Browne premises, 80s Casual Classics had been buying and selling at 12 Lower Gate Lane as a twin branded Elements x 80s Casual Classics store, nonetheless run by lengthy-time period Elements supervisor, Jonny George – who’s now operating the new store purely branded as 80s Casual Classics.
On taking up the previous Philip Browne store, and shutting the former Elements store, Neil Primett mentioned: “The plan actually was all the time to maneuver to an even bigger unit, as we’ve got recognized our shops must commerce from round 1,500-2,000 sq ft to totally characterize our supply. We additionally needed to be in an space with better footfall, as our enterprise is much less area of interest and extra on pattern with blended ages.
“I personally respected the Philip Browne store and its positioning, and I know it meant a lot to the people of Norwich who still have fond memories of it. I realise we have a lot to live up to, however, the landscape has changed and we are still one of the few (menswear independent) retailers in ascendancy, as customers look for exclusivity and better value for money. We like newness, but we aim to constantly tick the ‘repeat business’ box.”
The new Norwich store is now showcasing 70s, 80s and 90s impressed attire and trainers from the likes of Sergio Tacchini, Fila Vintage, Ellesse, Adidas Originals, Lacoste, Gabicci, Diadora, Benetton and Patrick, concentrating on each previous and new lovers of soccer informal basic kinds.
It can be stocking customized-made exclusives from third-occasion manufacturers that may solely be discovered in 80s Casual Classics shops and on its web site, giving the store its distinctive promoting level.
In June, 80s Casual Classics opened its first store in the South of the UK, a 2,340 sq ft flagship at The Liberty buying centre in Romford.
Going ahead, Primett is seeking to increase the retail footprint of 80s Casual Classics in different main UK cities. He added: “Newcastle is top of our agenda, as well as Manchester, and we still need to double the size of our Glasgow store as priority, as that’s another store with huge growth potential.”