AFTER starting out with a bijou boutique at the Covered Market, menswear retailer Burrows & Hare is growing fast.

The family-run business expanded by opening a second store at the Westgate Centre and now it is planning to launch a third outlet in Birmingham.

The lifestyle and grooming retailer, which opened its Westgate store in October, has also been nominated for top industry awards.

Oxford Mail:

Burrows & Hare has been shortlisted in two categories in the Drapers Independent Awards 2018, for Best New Retailer, and Best Store Design.

Owner Azeem Ansari, who runs the business with brother Junaid, said: “It’s a great honour to be shortlisted as finalists and it would top off a fantastic year if we could win something.

“Our Covered Market store is also doing well and we plan to expand even further, with a new store in Birmingham opening in the next few months.

“Our customers seem to really appreciate what we are trying to do and we are in a great position here at the Westgate Centre – our customer base is a combination of locals, tourists and students.”

Menswear is for sale alongside more eclectic items including wallets and terrariums – glass jars containing plants.

Oxford Mail:

Managers say each item for sale is crafted to last, with a ‘buy less, buy better’ philosophy to reduce waste and pollution.

The Drapers Independent Awards celebrate the most influential independent retailers in the UK and Ireland, with previous winners including cult favourites Paul’s Boutique and Collectif.

Brendan Hattam, general manager at Westgate Oxford, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Burrows & Hare – to be nominated for not one but two Drapers Independent Awards is a great honour. We wish the team every success in the awards, and can’t wait to see what else is in store for them and our other outstanding retailers.”

Award winners will be announced in London on Wednesday, September 12.