Michael and his tailor shop

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Michael, a 27-year-old Englishman, owns a tailor shop in Chengdu.

He came to Chengdu in 2012. “I chose Chengdu because of its fast growing economy and rich opportunities,” explained Michael. However, he found it quite difficult to find fitted business suits. “I am 6 foot tall but the suits sold in ready-made clothes shops are always small.” He finally solved the problem in Beijing when he ran across a custom-made shop.

Soon, Michael found many foreigners in Chengdu had the same problem as him. Therefore, he invited his tailor from Beijing to make suits for these people at some business parties, which was well received.

Seeing opportunities from these experiences, Michael decided to quit and open his own tailor shop in Chengdu in 2014. In the two weeks after opening he sold 80 suits, “most for white-collar employees aged 20-40”, said Michael.

Michael says his key to success is the low price/performance ratio. “People can find luxury brands in Chengdu that provide customized services, but the prices are mainly over 10,000 yuan ($1,535).” In Michael’s shop, however, a tailored suit costs about 2,000 to 5,000, which is far more affordable.

To ensure quality, Michael employed two experienced tailors in Chengdu and sent them to Beijing to receive systematic training. Employees at his shop are specialized in different procedures, such as taking customers’ measurements, and recording their preferences in fabric, styles, tailoring and details.

To Michael’s surprise, nearly 90 percent of his customers are Chinese. “I thought only foreigners couldn’t buy fitted suits!” After serving many Chinese customers, Michael has observed that they prefer slimmed suits, and that most are brought to the shop by their girlfriend or wife.

Michael’s business expanded when some local companies invited him to give lectures on dressing etiquette. “People and enterprises in Chengdu are paying more and more attention to dressing etiquette so I anticipate a bright future for my business,” said Michael.

Michael has been in Chengdu for more than three years. What impresses him most is the speed of development in the city. “I can barely see changes in my hometown, but in Chengdu, I notice changes around me every day. I enjoy the pace very much and I want to live here for a long time,” he said.

After three years of work and daily life in Chengdu, Michael is now fluent in Chinese and has no barrier in communication with his Chinese customers and friends. Now he hopes to find a Chengdu girlfriend. “Chengdu girls are pretty and gentle,” says Michael. “Sometimes I even envy my customers when they come to my shop with their girlfriends who can give them good advice on choosing styles and colors. It’s really sweet.”

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