Men’s Wearhouse to suit up the unemployed

FREMONT, Calif. — Men’s Wearhouse is looking to find new homes for used men’s and women's business attire, including suits, and in the process, looking to generate foot traffic to its stores.

The company has launched its sixth annual National Suit Drive and has set a goal to collect 150,000 gently used professional clothing items through July 31, to donate to unemployed men and women who are trying to re-enter the workforce.

In its first five years, the Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive collected more than half a million pieces of business attire, including 120,000 suits.

“The Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive provides opportunity to those who are less fortunate,” said president and CEO Doug Ewert. “A suit isn’t just about the outward appearance; it’s about bringing out the best in a man to give him the confidence to move toward success.”

Men’s Wearhouse has partnered with more than 150 nonprofit organizations around the country. These partner organizations distribute the clothing donations collected through the National Suit Drive to unemployed men and women in need. The local nonprofit partners also prepare these men and women to re-enter the job market through résumé-building workshops, interview preparation and employment training programs.

To donate clothing to the National Suit Drive, patrons may go to any one of more than 900 Men’s Wearhouse stores around the country to contribute their gently used men’s suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts and shoes. Women’s professional clothing items are accepted as well. This year, dress shoes and big and tall business attire are in especially high demand. Donors may also make a monetary contribution by donating directly to a participating nonprofit organization. Monetary donations are accepted online or at any Men’s Wearhouse location. All donors will receive a tax receipt.

As a thank-you, clothing donors will receive a coupon for 50% off the regular price of retail items for their next Men’s Wearhouse purchase, excluding shoes and clearance and Everyday Low Price items.

The company is also leveraging its social media pages to generate publicity for the clothing drive. It is encouraging shoppers to share images and videos and to track donations with a live donations counter on its Facebook page. It will also be offering real-time updates on Twitter that people can find via hashtag #giveasuit. Additionally, for every National Suit Drive mention on Facebook and Twitter, Men’s Wearhouse will contribute $1 (up to $20,000) to the cause.