[ad_1]
The menswear brand and retailer, Magee 1866, has defended itself from public criticism for an incident last weekend when it refused to tailor a suit for a woman who is getting married next month.
The Donegal-based family business, which has been backed by Enterprise Ireland, said it was just a “misunderstanding” that staff at the Magee dealership in Arnotts, in central Dublin, refused service to Kildare’s wife, Maeve. Wright. Mrs. Wright was buying a “custom made” to wear to her wedding in four weeks with her partner, Sara Shine.
The incident was featured on Joe Duffy’s Liveline program on RTÉ Radio 1 on Wednesday afternoon, drawing criticism of the company online. Magee CEO Rosy Temple, a fifth-generation member of the family that runs the group, took to the air to defend the business, insisting that Magee is “very much a 2020 company.”
Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Shine will be married in front of 25 guests in the second week of January. Mrs. Wright wanted to wear a Magee suit, which she says is tailored for “men’s tailoring only.” She says she emailed Magee in August asking if her being a woman would be a problem, and she says they assured her it wouldn’t.
His initial appointment at the Magee concession in Arnotts was canceled when Kildare entered a local lockdown in September, while an additional appointment in October was canceled when national restrictions were introduced. Ms. Wright finally arrived for her appointment at 3.30pm Sunday, only to be told by a Magee staff member that “we only do men’s suits.”
Louis Copeland
Distraught, she went to a nearby Louis Copeland menswear store, which provided her with a suit for her wedding. After she contacted Liveline’s investigation team, but before they went on the air, Ms. Temple contacted her, who offered her an apology and a voucher.
On air, Ms. Temple explained that the company plans to introduce a tailoring service for women next year. She explained that her tailored suits are currently “male-oriented” but that women can purchase them if they wish.
On numerous occasions, both genders have bought our suits. There is no problem with that. It was a simple misunderstanding, ”he said.
Magee, which is synonymous with tweed, is based in Donegal City and two additional stores in Dublin. It also has a growing online export business. The group’s annual revenue is around 15.5 million euros and it had more than 120 employees before the pandemic.
[ad_2]