By Paul Pannone

The slow but steady move into tuxedos continues at Jos. A. Bank, hindered by a sluggish economy and even worse climate in the men’s tailored suit business. Reports say limited success in the current traditional arrangement with formal wear supplier, Jim’s formal wear, prompted the move to partner with a major dress company, Alfred Angelo.

According to a release, “Jos. A. Bank will be the tuxedo rental vendor of choice in 53 Alfred Angelo Signature stores in the US.  In turn, Alfred Angelo will be the exclusive wedding gown partner for JoS. A. Bank.  The venture also includes partnering on bridal shows, select marketing collateral, web content, blogs, and social media.”

Sources near the story say the move will mirror a tuxedo referral arrangement just like David’s Bridal and Men’s  Wearhouse.

A planner in the Wedding Water Cooler said,”The GM from Jos A. Banks here called me for a meeting next week regarding some big news. I’ve helped them in the past with events for grooms.”

 Organizations like the Great Bridal Expo stand to benefit from arrangements like Jos A Bank and Alfred Angelo, as combined advertising and marketing budgets increase their bargaining power and earning potential.

The news of the Jos A Bank and Alfred Angelo collaboration is of special interest to promoters that feared the dominance of single organizations in the past– in this case, Men’s Wearhouse– that hindered their ability to negotiate prices for their services. In an eWedNewz story in May we reported:

For marketing and advertising, Bank has promoted formal wear in their television commercials for over a year. eWedNewz intelligence learned of Bank’s interest in partnering with The Great Bridal Expo® before its owner, Bill Heaton was even aware. “You were right and knew it before we did,” said William Heaton after the deal was finally completed.

Conversations with Heaton in the past suggested a better overall negotiating position for his Great Bridal Expo, since Bank decided to participate in his shows and drive bidding higher for the runway portion of the show. We asked Heaton whether the current collaboration between JAB and Alfred Angelo would have any further impact on how he would price the runway. Heaton apparently did not wish to respond to the questions involving this story.

Sources told eWedNewz the partnership between Alfred Angelo and Jos A Bank will split the cost of the GBE shows, along with all other marketing, confirming their public announcement.

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