| Andrew McDowall is set apart from other high street clothiers. The deceptively large store in Chichester, West Sussex dates back 400 years and has 3,000 square feet of showrooms over two storeys. It is traditionally designed with antique furniture stocking a huge selection of clothing. The service is exemplary with individual attention being offered whenever possible by mature, experienced staff.
Run by Andrew Moore and father Michael, McDowall's combination of classical store and traditional service make it virtually unique outside London. Customers looking for Saville Row quality bespoke tailoring at reasonable prices know there is nowhere to match Andrew McDowall's for quality and service. Michael Moore is a master tailor and has benefited from the expertise and experience of two previous generations of master tailors.
Andrew Moore's great grandfather, John William Moore, first served as an apprentice on the Isle of Wight for sixpence a week, eventually becoming a brilliant designer and cutter. He came to Southsea in 1919 to work as head cutter for Rowe & Edmunds before setting up his own business in 1922. His son, Edmund John Moore, built up the business through the twenties and thirties and worked continuously through the Blitz to help keep the Navy supplied with uniforms during World War II.
Michael and Andrew took over McDowalls in North Street, Chichester in 1982.They retained the name because of the good reputation it had built up over the years in menswear and outfitting. The store has moved with the times and expanded significantly.
Customers are mostly those who want well-made quality garments at reasonable prices. McDowalls' large client base includes an illustrious list of Lords and Ladies, bishops, admirals and showbusiness personalities. The Chichester Festival Theatre has asked the store to provide costumes and outfits for many plays and a great many of the country's leading actors and actresses. Customers come from all over England and the world, for the vast range of ladies and menswear together with their unrivalled service.
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