80s Casual Classics unveils new store in former Philip Browne unit in Norwich

Last weekend saw 80s Casual Classics open the doors to its latest store in the old Philip Browne unit at 3 Guildhall Hill in Norwich.

Philip Browne ceased trading in December 2024 after 38 years in business following Frasers Group acquiring it from JD Sports in March 2023.

Frasers Group-owned Flannels opened a 20,000 sq ft store at Chantry Place in Norwich at the end of April 2024 - stocking similar luxury fashion and contemporary streetwear brands to what Philip Browne was renowned for, sealing the long established menswear independent’s fate.

JD Sports acquired 80s Casual Classics in March 2021, but founder Neil Primett was able to buy it back in July 2023 and then opened stores in Derby, Barnsley, Glasgow and Norwich – taking over the old Elements menswear store in March 2025, which had been trading as a multi-brand menswear independent at 12 Lower Goat Lane in Norwich since the late 1990s.

Before the move to the old Philip Browne premises, 80s Casual Classics had been trading at 12 Lower Gate Lane as a dual branded Elements x 80s Casual Classics store, still run by long-term Elements manager, Jonny George – who is now running the new store purely branded as 80s Casual Classics.

On taking over the old Philip Browne store, and closing the former Elements store, Neil Primett said: “The plan really was always to move to a bigger unit, as we have identified our stores need to trade from around 1,500-2,000 sq ft to fully represent our offer. We also wanted to be in an area with greater footfall, as our business is less niche and more on trend with mixed ages.

“I personally respected the Philip Browne store and its positioning, and I know it meant a lot to the people of Norwich who still have fond memories of it. I realise we have a lot to live up to, however, the landscape has changed and we are still one of the few (menswear independent) retailers in ascendancy, as customers look for exclusivity and better value for money. We like newness, but we aim to constantly tick the ‘repeat business’ box.”

The new Norwich store is now showcasing 70s, 80s and 90s inspired apparel and trainers from the likes of Sergio Tacchini, Fila Vintage, Ellesse, Adidas Originals, Lacoste, Gabicci, Diadora, Benetton and Patrick, targeting both old and new lovers of football casual classic styles.

It is also stocking custom-made exclusives from third-party brands that can only be found in 80s Casual Classics stores and on its website, giving the store its unique selling point.

In June, 80s Casual Classics opened its first store in the South of the UK, a 2,340 sq ft flagship at The Liberty shopping centre in Romford.

Going forward, Primett is looking to expand the retail footprint of 80s Casual Classics in other major UK cities. He added: “Newcastle is top of our agenda, as well as Manchester, and we still need to double the size of our Glasgow store as priority, as that’s another store with huge growth potential.”