Men's Wearhouse expanding in Md., Va.

Men's Wearhouse Inc., the men's discount clothier with more than 370 stores in 36 states, plans to expand in suburban Maryland and Virginia, the Houston-based retailer said yesterday.

The company, which has opened 21 stores in the region since entering the market in 1996, plans to open about 10 more stores -- at least five this year.

The retailer is considering sites in Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George's counties, said John Meyer, retail leasing specialist with KLNB Inc., the real estate brokerage firm assisting with site selection.

"This is a dynamite market for the Men's Wearhouse, one of the best markets in their chain," Meyer said. "Retail in Maryland and Virginia is very strong."

Men's Wearhouse typically puts 5,000-square-foot stores employing about 10 in neighborhood strip shopping centers.

In the past six months, stores opened in Annapolis, Laurel and Waldorf.

The national chain offers conservative tailored business suits and business casual clothing at about 20 percent to 30 percent below department store prices.

Pub Date: 3/07/98