Marcella, a Singapore-based bespoke tailoring start-up, will be closing down its physical stores by January 1, 2016; the retailer announced in a Facebook post. The move comes following Marcella’s acquisition by an international made-to-measure group since the physical stores do not fit into the company’s growth strategy. However, the online store will remain operational.
Before the shutdown, Marcella is offering 50 per cent discount for all ready-to-wear items. It added that customers with outstanding cash vouchers are advised to use them before the store closes. The customers can also choose items from their off-the-rack selection as a form of refund instead. The retailer stressed that all the orders are safe and will be processed with utmost priority.
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Alvin Teo, Lai Chang Wen, Daniel Chui and Firas Alsuwaigh – the Founders of Marcella wanted to bring custom apparel into the modern era and initially ventured onto the retail scene in 2010 with a brick-and-mortar store. The setup boasts of superior automation right from pattern making to cutting, sewing and finishing. The measurements of an individual are taken and run through an algorithm developed by Alvin, Lai, Daniel and Firas.
The algorithm translates the measurements into a pattern. Laser cutters are used to cut out the pattern pieces. The automation of drafting process has allowed for both lower prices and faster production, believe the founders. Thereafter, the shirts are produced in Guangzhou, China.
