Ben Sherman returns to Brighton with new flagship store

Ben Sherman founded his namesake shirt brand in Brighton in 1963 and now the brand will open its first store in the city in years.

The new store serves as “a poignant reminder of the brand's Brighton heritage”, the company said, where 61 years ago, after an inspiring trip to America, Ben Sherman founded his namesake shirt brand.

He established a factory in Brighton's Bedford Square and opened the first store, Millions of Shirts Inc., in Duke Street.

File photo of what was the first factory for Ben Sherman, taken in 1999. 21A Bedford Square (Image: Jim Holden)

When the mods arrived on the scene, they adopted Sherman's snappy styles, followed by the suedeheads a decade or so later. More recent converts include members of the bands Blur and Oasis.

This month, history will repeat when Ben Sherman opens its doors in Duke’s Lane with a 1,300-square-foot store.

The opening weekend features special gifts with purchases and will be followed by a series of exclusive in-store events. The first of these events will be a week-long exhibition by fashion and music photographer Dean Chalkley.

READ MORE: Mod clothing brand Ben Sherman releases range inspired by Brighton

The exhibition will begin with an opening event on August 24. Customers attending the opening day will have the opportunity to have a mini takeaway portrait photo session with Dean Chalkley in person.

As well as the Brighton store, a new branch will open in Berwick Street in London’s Soho on August 29.

The new Ben Sherman store officially opens on August 24 (Image: Chris Whittam Photography)

“This development signifies a pivotal moment for the distinguished menswear brand and another significant step toward a new era of nationwide retail expansion,” a spokesman for the brand said.

Following the recent launch of the brand's Coal Drops Yard pop-up store, the highly anticipated Brighton and Soho stores will further bolster Ben Sherman's expansion plans.

The stores are designed to offer a “quintessential Ben Sherman shopping experience, showcasing the very best of the Signature and B By Ben Sherman collections”, the spokesman added, and preview a new collection launching in early September.

Ben Sherman said it plans to roll out more doors across the country, giving loyal consumers the opportunity to buy the latest collections and special collaboration products.