Men's Wearhouse's National Suit Drive to benefit unemployed men

Determined to empower unemployed men by providing them with the necessary professional attire that will build their self-esteem and help “sell themselves” during job interviews, Men’s Wearhouse (NYSE:MW) has announced its second annual National Suit Drive, September 1–30.

Concerned that thousands of men are unable to secure employment because they lack the initial, yet vital, step of looking presentable for a job interview, the nation’s leading retailer of men’s tailored clothing, is working with more than 200 local non-profit organizations throughout the country to collect thousands of articles of professional attire to be used by individuals looking to re-enter the workforce. In addition, Men’s Wearhouse will donate one tie for every suit donated to help complete the outfit, as well as offer donors a 10% discount coupon in gratitude for their generosity.

All 1,065 Men’s Wearhouse and Men’s Wearhouse & Tux locations will serve as drop-off sites for gently used suits, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, ties, belts and shoes that will be used to benefit men in need of these items to transition into the workforce. For a complete list of locations, please visit www.nationalsuitdrive.com.

“It became apparent many years ago that there was a long-standing need to help men who are striving for self-sufficiency,” said George Zimmer, CEO and Chairman of Men’s Wearhouse. “We started a Merchandise Donation Program to provide professional clothing to nonprofit organizations serving these men. However, our program could not meet the demand, so we implemented the National Suit Drive to assist us in our efforts to help less fortunate men by giving them a renewed sense of dignity and respect. Philanthropy is a major part of our corporate fabric and given the economic-climate, this year’s National Suit Drive is more important than ever.”

Last year, the inaugural suit drive garnered 125,000 professional items over a two-month period. This year, the company has set a goal of 150,000 items despite the economic downturn and its shortened duration this year.

“The suit may not necessarily make the man, but if you talk to one of the thousands of men who received a suit last year from our inaugural suit drive, they’ll say it definitely made a difference in their confidence. I guarantee it,” said Zimmer.

“We are very excited to again work together with Men’s Wearhouse on the National Suit Drive campaign,” said Jerri Rosen, CEO of Working Wardrobes in Orange County, CA., one of the more than 200 non-profit organizations working with Men’s Wearhouse on the national event. “Proper professional attire really makes a difference in our client’s life. With these donations, men will have the opportunity to walk into an interview with confidence – an essential step toward economic stability.”