Wedding Show QR Reader Poster

Have you ever noticed the little square of black dots that are appearing everywhere on brochures, business cards, posters and newspaper articles? I have to admit that when I saw them first I thought they were some sort of optical illusion or cryptic puzzle.What they are in fact are QR codes which stands for Quick Response. The codes when scanned grant the user instant access to online information with no need to type in URLs or search words. A little group of dots can contain a link to the most relevant and pertinent information.The potential for the use of QR codes in the retail enviornment is only starting to be realised now.Product information can be obtained by scanning the item’s barcode with a mobile device such as a smart phone.The information that can be retrieved from the QR code is far more detailed and informative than even what the best trained salesperson can offer.

Dermot showing a customer in the shop the QR Reader

The scanning process can take the consumer to pages of important information that describe the product and anything about it that the consumer may be interested in.Of course the data provided by the retailer can be filtered and what is most relevant to the consumer may be chosen.Some people may prefer to watch a video whilst others might scan the text and read the product information.I recently came across the use of Qr codes in a zoo where there were links to videos of the animals in their natural habitats which provides a more interactive and deeper experience for the visitors.Obviously similar experiences can be created by retailers of physical products.

As usual at Tom Murphy Menswear we have been quick to adopt new forms of technological innovation to improve the retail experience of our customers.We have created QR codes for about 20 percent of the overall product offering and the plan is to have up to half our products QR coded by 2014.
This means that a wealth of product information can be accessed immediately by our customers. The origin of the brand, the material it is made from and the instructions are already on the label but the QR code can take you to a place where you can see a whole lot more. For example the QR code on all the suits in the store will take you to a page which shows the other colours it is availble in,how it looks on a model and the recommended shirts it can be worn with.We even provide videos on some codes showing a particular brands headquarters and how they make a garment.In other words a whole new retail experience can be opened up for the comsumer. In fact the consumer can be helped with the decision making process by ; a)-gaining more information,   b)-saving the information onto their phone and making a less pressurised,more informative desicion later on in the comfort of their office or home.

Customers often come to browse and having seen a product go home to think about it. When a products QR code has been scanned it saves automatically onto the users phone,thus ensuring a permanence that is invaluable to the retailer.The lads in our wedding suit department are finding the whole process very helpful as this is an area of the business where customers rarely make up their minds on the spot.In the recession a tool such as this is invaluable for retailers and should be embraced wholeheartedly so our advice is to get out the smartphones and get  scanning folks!

Glossy,silky contemporary tuxedo

When choosing a tuxedo for your wedding there are a number of things worth considering.First of all you need to understand the classical definition of a tuxedo.A tuxedo is basically a black suit with lapels made from satin and it also has satin covered buttons on the front and sleeves of the coat.The cut of the jacket is no different to any other style and there is very little else in the way of discerning features that would mark it out from a lounge suit or day suit.Of course some tuxedo trousers will have a satin braid or pipe down the side of the garment but this is a feature that is not always present.

I would however stronly advise against adopting this restrictive view of what a tuxedo is.There are lots of contemporary style suits that could be called a tuxedo if you are prepared to move away from the traditional meaning.I would encourage people to think of a tuxedo as a formal suit that is worn for very important occassions and that has some more elaborate features and styling than your everyday suit. The texture of the fabric is is something that really sets a cermonial suit apart from the more ordinary versions.Silky,glossy,shiny suits tend to be that bit more glitzy than a woolly style. Other features that can set apart a groom’s tuxedo can be ornamental buttons or indented feature pockets or a slightly longer jacket shape.

A synthesis of the classic and conntemporary is always a winning formula and this can be achieved with a tux that uses the traditional satin detailing in an imaginative way.For example there are plenty of brands offering suits with a little satin edging on the lapel and slightly trimming on the pockets.These outfits look really sharp and make an ideal wedding suit.

Germanicos Tailors

They do say that fashion has a habit of recycling itself and that the present always borrows from the past.In the case of the re-emergence of this famous British heritage brand one can see a true example of this.

The Mod look that was dominant in the 60s has returned to dominate the tailoring trends of 2012/2013.The Gibson brand does not have to dig very far into its archives to reveal a colourful past and history that can be drawn upon to inspire its current crop of designers and brand directors.

This season’s collection continues the trend towards innovation and experimentation with fabric,fit and cut.There are a number of showstopping pieces including a fuschia coloured wool mix suit and a vibrant purple Prince of Wales check.For those with less adventurous taste in tailored suits,the good news is that the core stock service range will be expanded.The resounding success of last season was the three principle colours in Charcoal,Silver and Cobalt Blue which are all  available in Mix and Match and come with an optional waistcoat.

There has been a huge emphasis in house on creating a unique “Gibson” fit that offers a cut that is superior to everything else on the market.The Gibson cut has been perfected and is one of the main contributing factors that have helped establish it as the premier brand for style savy shoppers.There is no doubt that 2013 will see more and more growth for one of the most retro brands of  the current era.

Despite the glossy sounding Italian name the brand actually hails from Longford and is the brainchild of Barry Conlon.

The reason that the Benetti brand is selling so well seems to be down to the pure commercialism of the brand. The prices are very keen and are about 20% – 50% less than its competitors prices. Normally this would lead to a loss in quality or general appeal. However the products are presented and branded very well and the quality is not comprimised.

The range is performing equally well in the formal and casual sectors .With the upsurge in demand for formal suiting and tailoring Benetti has found a niche in the young fashion concious suiting market.They are one of the very few brands that can put a sharp,tailored and stylish suit on the shop floor for under 200 Euro.Its main competitors in the home grown suit market are Magee and Remus and these labels are finding it difficult to compete as their prices tend to a good bit above that level.

The formal shirt collection is probably the area where you see the most obvious differences in prices on the shop floor.Many of the shirts in the range are available for under 40 Euro and this again offers a significant saving on the other brands.The formal shirt market has been dominated by the German superbrands like Olymp and Eterna for years but their popularity are waning a little due to unyielding prices.

Their casual range is also extremly sharp and surprise,surprise the prices are really good.Watch out this Autumn/Winter for some lovely shirt/knitwear combinations that are really impressive.Again the quality of materials/fabrics is really good and the choice is superb.

Style by Benetti

Tom Murphys voted best menswear suit supplier

First off, I aplogise for neglecting our blog of late and can only offer the excuse that the Shop has been extremely busy over the last couple of months and it has been a case of all hands on deck (or on the shop floor, at least).I have steadily come to realise that blogging is a pursuit that gets a little neglected during the Summer months.

Now that the madness of the Summer months has subsided I promise to get blogging again on a regular basis and keep you all informed of the goings on at TM Menswear.

In that case I thought I would let you know Team Tom Murphy collected the prestigious award of the best Wedding Menswear Shop last week at the Southern Brides Gold Suppliers Event held in the Boardwalk Bar and Grill.

Neil Prendeville presents Tom Murphys with best weeding supplier award

On a night to remember Eoin Murphy accepted the award from Neil Prendeville of the Boardwalk Bar and Grill on behalf of Cork’s most famous suit shop.

Representing the firm on the evening were Dermot Fagan, Caoimh Mulvaney and Eoin himsself. According to Eoin the night was a memorable one and he had this to say about it;  “We were delighted first to be nominated for the award but winning it was a great honour and we are delighted that the hard work that the lads in our wedding department do has been recognised”.

The award adds another string to the bow of Tom Murphy Menswear and augurs well for the future of one of Cork’s longest established businesses.

1-Ask the Missus which is the boring option as she will probably curtail your wilder inclinations and basically spoil your night

2-Ask a friend who might be happy to have a free night out on the lash

3-Ask someone you have really fancied for ages but risk spending the night wondering whether she is there because she is too polite to say no or if she is actually into you too.This can be a complete head wreck and I can say that from personal experience.

{A word of warning on who you bring to your debs lads!Do not be stupid enough to bring one of the teachers’ daughters as you will be slagging cannon fodder for the forseeable future

I asked the lads in the Tom Murphys Debs department if they have any advice for ye all when it comes to picking out debs suits for the big night and here is what they came up with

1-If you are strapped for cash hire a suit.The average cost is around 65 euro and for this you get a suit,shirt and tie.However the choice is limited and you will not get the sort of choice you would if you were purchasing

2-The growing and almost universal trend is to buy your debs suit.There is a huge choice available and right now the most popular coloursare silver grey and the ever popular black

3-The days of the tuxedo,shirt and bow are numbered.Lads now tend to go for a plain suit without the satin lapels of a tux and team it up with a skinny tie and drop collar shirt rather than the wing collared variety.

4-There is still a big percentage of students opting for a waistcoat and tie combination that match the girls dress.If for example the girl is wearing a purple dress then the boy will match his accessories with hers.Sometimes it is a good idea to rent the waistcoat even if you are buying the suit as you might never wear it again.

Personal Tailoring at Tom Murphy Menswear

In December 2011, the new Personal Tailoring Collection was launched by Magee Menswear. Personal Tailoring by Magee has been around for a few decades now but recently the front end that has been revamped to give the consumer a better and more valuable ‘personal’ experience which is facilitated by the retailer.

The Made to Measure service at Tom Murphy Menswear has the Magee Personal Tailoring Collection at the core of its offering. According to Tom Murphy ‘The new Personal Tailoring service being offered by Magee is expansive and innovative. The range of fabrics on offer is vast and everything is covered from the finest weights in pure new wools to more traditional heavy weight materials. The customer can basically design his own suit with optional buttons, linings and collar felts. This leads to a feeling of empowerment and input into the design process on the part of the consumer which adds to the feeling of personalisation’.

This personalisation of the design of your own suit is what makes the process so different to just going in and buying a suit off the rack. At a cost that is not prohibitive (it is usually about 20% more then a good quality ready-made suit), you can basically design the suit yourself. As well as this the other obvious benefit in a suit that is personally tailored is the precision of the measurements. All shapes and sizes can be accomodated and a perfect fit is always guaranteed.

So if you are interested in getting a Made to Measure suit by Magee, get into Tom Murphy Menswear and let one of their expert tailors get their measuring tapes around your waist. The whole process takes about half an hour and your suits will be ready for collection within 5 weeks.

Tom Murphy shows how it is done with a crisp white shirt and bright red tie

Picking the right shirt for a suit can be a tough proposition. The best advice we can offer is to make sure the shirt sits effortlessly and elegantly inside the suit. The first and most important thing to get right is the colour of the shirt. The neutrality of a white shirt means it goes with virtually any colour suit. It is the tie that presents the  challenge when it comes to putting a white shirt inside a suit. A tie that is similair in colour to the suit is often a smooth and suave combination. Think dark navy spotted or patterned tie with a crisp white shirt for an elegant, easy look.

Another option is to go for a bright contrasting tie with the white shirt inside the dark suit. A red tie stands out like nothing else inside a grey, navy or black suit.

Eddie O Sullivan wears plain blue shirt and bild stripe tie

Not everybody wants to take the simple and some might say unimaginative option of the white shirt. Certainly light coloured suits are not generally good with white. Depending on the exact shade,many neutral tones lend themselves better to hues of beige, cream or ivory.

For a dashing executive like look try putting a bengal stripe or a bold coloured chalk stripe with your suit. Do not however, make the mistake of putting a stripe shirt inside a stripe suit as you will look like a zebra with a poor dress sense.

For a stronger,bolder look that suggests you are a high powered business man you could add a white collared stripe shirt to your wardrobe.Again if the main body of the shirt is a stripe try to keep the tie reasonably plain.

For an adventurous twist on the white collar striped body shirt you could try a gingham check with white collar.  Indeed the gingham check is generally a piece of sartorial attire that potrays a certain sense of gentlemenery standing. Classic blue or lilac ginghams put themselves forward as indicators of your business like status like no other shirts.

Another thing to bear in mind when picking a shirt for a suit is the type of occassion you are wearing it for. Gighams, Bengal stripes and white collars with contrasting bodies are all shirts that have a business style to them. Shirts for special occassions like weddings can be more vibrant or daring. Colours like purples, fushcias, pinks, lemons are more acceptable.Materials for occassional wear can be a bit more quirky and satins and silks can look really well.

Upper end of patrick street,cork

With Christmas fast approaching, we thought it might be an idea to give a few hints and tips about shopping in Cork.Needless to say we have a little bit to say about our own place of work as well.

The premier destination for shoppers in Cork City is Patrick Street. Historically it has always been the main thoroughfare through Cork, going back to the time when it used to ferry people and cargo up the river and through the gate of the Queens Old Castle. Patrick Street boasts the presence of all the top shops in Cork City. On the upper end are a lot of the international chain stores such as Debenhams and Marks and Spencer. Ireland’s most prestigious department store Brown Thomas is located here as  at the junction of Patrick Street and Winthrop Street. Across the road on the other side of Patrick Street is Easons book and stationary store and some womens’ clothing stores such as Awear. As you make your way up to the other end of Patrick Street you will pass a lot of womens clothing retailers such as Warehouse, Claire’s Accessories and Oasis.

There are four side streets that branch off Patrick street.The first of these is called Winthrop street and features a few nice cafes and jewellery shops.If you fancy stopping for a quick refreshment try the Long valley pub which is famous for its twin combos of toasted sandwiches and pints of the black stuff.As you move from he upper end of “Pana”as it is affectionately known to the lower end you will pass Cook street and Marlboro street neither of which has anything much to offer.The best and most shopper friendly of these side streets all of which lead on to Oliver Plunkett street is Princess Street.The main entrance to the old English Market is here as well if you would like to sample some of the delights of cuisine a la Cork.

It is at this point that a couple may want to split up, as Cork’s answer to Saville Row lies in wait for the discerning male shopper. After the turn off for the Old English Market you will come to Cork’s finest tailoring house, Tom Murphy Menswear.

Tom Murphy Menswear is one of Cork’s oldest menswear clothes stores and the signs of its significant history are there for all to see. All of the buildings along here escaped the burning of Cork by the Black and Tans, so the charm and character of these historical buildings still remains intact.They really are worth visiting as they retain the charm of a bygone era.

Inside Tom Murphy Menswear and some of the other traditional tailoring house  nearby, you will see a blend of the contemporary with the traditional. The merchandising of the stock is neat and the range on view is sharp and sophisticated. As you travel from the compact casual department, up the narrow winding stairs(it is the original staircase) you will pass by lots of old photos of Cork from 120 years ago.

Everywhere you go in this store history will greet you.As you make your way up the stairs old photographs of celebrity shoppers from times past catch the eye.The enormous  celings and Georgian windows give a huge impression of space and point to a style of architecture that belongs to another era.

If you have time and can ditch the wife for a good hour or so why not pop into the suit department and enjoy the experience of sifting through the endless array of ready made suits.If you are after something a little more bespoke ask Tom or Michael to show you the made to order collection and they will get cracking with the measuring tape.Whatever you are after and whether you come to look,observe or buy I am sure you will enjoy the experience of visiting Tom Murphys in the heart of Cork’s shopping district.

Buy him christmas clothes online

It has reached that time of the year again when women come flocking into our shop looking for inspiration as to what to buy the men in their lives for Christmas. We thought it might be a good idea to give a few pointers in the right direction, as many of ye good female folks tell us it is impossible to know what to buy for your boyfriends, husbands, fathers etc…

We are also noticing that our online customers are having the same dilema and are not quiete sure what to buy from our website.We are a contrary ole bunch,us men,but there is nothing like a bit of good clobber to get us smiling again.The value that  out there online is great and if you are looking for some guidance we thought we might give you a hand.

Sometimes a gift voucher is the best option. However if you don’t trust your man to select something tasteful and trendy (which many of ye rightly do not) then park that option, unless you plan on accompaning him when he goes to town to do his shopping and use up the voucher.

A sensible purchase for Christmas is a nice warm, toasty jumper that will keep him warm over the festive season. Forget the loud, strong stripes and diamond patterns which represent the fasion of a bygone era and go for a plain, solid colour which are back in vogue again. A Christmas bestseller for us in always the Tricot Marine chunky jumper which is available in navy, red and blue. These jumpers are 100% wool and made from extra thick yarns which gaurantee your man will be all snugly and cosy over Christmas.

If he does not like a heavy jumper then go for something lighter from the Kellerman range which like Tricot Marine are designed and produced in Ireland.

These jumpers are a little lighter but there is a good palette of colours to choose from in both v and round neck.

If the man in your life has a wardrobe full of jumpers then perhaps a shirt in a gift box would make an ideal present. Our range of Andre casual shirts are always popular at Christmas and come in button down or regular collars. This season the Andre casual range comes in special presentation boxes which saves you the bother of having to gift wrap them. For the ultimate present get him a matching shirt and jumper from this range and get 15 quid off (which you will surely pass on to him and tell him to use it for a few pints at the weekend)!

With the recessionary onslaught continuing it is posible that your budget might not stretch that far however. Our Accessories Collection includes scarfs, cuff links, stud buttons and mens armbands which all come in gift boxes. The prices of these items make them very affordable and ideal gifts.For some more ideas for cost saving gifts visit the accessories page on our website.

Please remember that the option is there to have your present gift wrapped.

Matching shirt and jumper