M2M's Flagship Moving; More Locations Coming

HOUSTON-Better visibility, more signage and a higher parking ratio is prompting the move of M2M Fashion Inc.’s flagship store to a 5,000-sf spot across the street in the Montrose District. The retailer of men’s high-end fashion has signed a five-year lease for the space.

When the move to 3407 Montrose Blvd. is completed in February, the retailer will switch names from M2M Fashion to M2M Style Lounge to reflect a stronger couture feel. “They’re raising the level of the concept,” explains Gregory Stackhouse, senior vice president of brokerage for Retail Connection’s Houston office.

Stackhouse, who represented the tenant, says M2M has been at its current location at 3400 Montrose Blvd. for many years. “The new location is book ended by Starbucks and Berryhill,” Stackhouse says. “This will provide more visibility and better parking so they can accommodate the customers.” New Regional Planning Inc. of Houston represented local building owner, Emirates Inc., in the transaction.

M2M owner Michael Malik also is planning to expand his Jeans Couture women’s fashion line. Stackhouse tells GlobeSt.com that Jeans Couture will expand into the Woodlands and Pearland as well as the Baybrook and Willowbrook areas of Houston. Jeans Couture has locations at 2511 University Blvd., 5000 Westheimer Rd. and 5480 FM 1960 W. Rd., all in Houston, and 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy.

Stackhouse says the retailer has a letter of intent for a 2,000-sf shop in the Woodlands’ Market Street at 9595 Six Pines Dr., which M2M is trying to get finalized this month. “He’s also looking at doing a men’s concept in the Woodlands,” the broker adds.

Once the Houston locations are up and running in 2008, Stackhouse says M2M will move north to Dallas in 2009. Beyond that, he says, Austin and San Antonio are future targets.

Preferential locations for M2M retail stores are high-income areas, preferably in a lifestyle center or high-end retail mall. “Parking is crucial so customers can get in and out,” Stackhouse stresses.