DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR

Wednesday 2 May 2012

Around the World in Religion: Northampton


Last month for Around the World in Religion we were in the sunny climes of South Africa. This month we’re a little closer to home in Northampton, shoe making centre of the UK and home to Religion concept store managed by TS2 and Temple Menswear owner by Neil Taylor. Neil has been selling Religion for almost 20 years and knows the brand and his customers inside and out. Read on for the who, what and wear of Northampton.

Until Tuesday 8th May, get 15% off Religion at TS2 Menswear Online

Hi Neil, how long have you had your Religion concept store and what did you do before then?

I’ve had the Religion Store for a year now. Previous to that I was still selling Religion but in our Temple Clothing Store alongside other brands. 

Tell us a bit about your store, its location and your customers?

The Religion Store is situated at 235 Wellingborough Road, Northampton which is about a mile out of the town centre and appeals to a more upmarket and fashion conscious customer. The Religion Store is also located next door to our parent store 'TS2 Menswear'. Northampton is a funny town in terms of it has two shopping locations for clothing; the town centre which is suited more towards the younger customer with its high street stores and the Wellingborough Road which is home to some higher profile stores selling designer brands.
We’ve been selling Religion in Northampton for nearly 20 years and have built up a good following of customers over the years. Our customer mix is varied, ranging from the Ibiza lads, to the young and trendy, to the more discerning black label customer.


What is it that you and your team like best about Religion?

We love wearing Religion Clothing, I like the fit and style of most of the products. The good thing with Religion is that the range continually evolves and moves on! It's a directional fashion brand that appeals to our customers and it’s always nice going out and bumping into customers wearing the brand.

We make some pretty eye catching t-shirts – what is your favourite design?

For me the Captain scoop t-shirt from a couple of seasons ago is my favourite piece. I’d wear it layered underneath the Byron Coat or Scryer Jacket from the Black Label Collection and worn with the Dirty Zee Jeans in Washed Black. 
Scryer Jacket, Captain tee, Dirty Zee Jeans
What are your stand out pieces for this season?

The stand out pieces have to be the Hawaiian shirts! We have the Miami, Vegas and St Tropez shirts and they get a lot of attention in the store – they’re hitting on a key trend for the summer!


Vegas, St Tropez and Miami shirts
What are your store bestsellers?

The Shoreditch Stripe T-Shirt in Blue has been the best seller for this season; we sold out within a week.

Shoreditch Stripe tee
What’s the best spot for nightlife in Northampton?

If I’m out in Northampton my night would normally start off in Sazerac a really nice bar always playing good music, then I’d pop across the road in to Borjia a newly opened bar with a good decor and after a few vodka red bulls you'd find me in Auntie Ruth's, a members club next door to our Temple Store. It has an awesome roof terrace bar perfect in the summer!

What are you listening to in the store at the moment?

We’re listening to an audio stream from House Radio it's live with no commercials and plays deephouse, techhouse, minimalhouse, classic and more styles of groovy housemusic. Perfect in the store really on a Friday afternoon getting ready for the weekend!

You can find the Religion store in Northampton at 235 Wellingborough Road, Northampton, NN1 4EH or take a look at the TS2 Menswear website where you can get 15% off Religion until Tuesday 8th May.