Once again following in the footsteps of Russell Simmons, the ubiquitous Sean “P.Diddy” Combs has plans to open a Sean John retail store, much like Simmons own Phat Farm store located in New York City. Jeffrey Tweedy, executive vice president of the clothing line, told the New York Post on Wednesday that he and Diddy hope to have the store open by March or April of 2003.
In addition to a New York location, Tweedy said plans are in place to discuss retail stores in several Malls across the nation.
“Malls welcome new excitement,” he asserted.
Though boutiques are usually opened with the aim of distinguishing brand recognition, Tweedy stated the purpose of the Sean John venture is to generate sales. By keeping the size of the store to “a certain square footage,” as Tweedy suggested, the business will be able to earn “decent sales per square foot.”
For the past three years, the Council of Fashion Designers of America has nominated Combs for the prestigious Perry Ellis men’s wear award. The Sean John collection debuted in 2000 to rave reviews posting sales over $100 million.