The establishment, created by an experienced former manager of a leading high-street department store, also provides fashion and grooming advice and services for men and specialises in providing clothes for people requiring larger sizes.

Owner Frankie Obano has used his 18 years’ experience working with Moss Bros to open TBS Menswear, where he sells everything from jeans and casual shirts to evening wear, that can be topped up with ties, cufflinks and shoes.

Going for quality, but affordable, TBS Menswear focuses on good Italian and Spanish brands, mostly in contemporary styles. Says Frankie: ”Many high street stores don’t go over size 18. At TBS Menswear, larger people can also find quality clothes that fit them at reasonable prices. You don’t have to go to the West End to shop. My shop is located right in the community.”

Frankie Obano advises a customer

A variety of choices

Quality accessories

Designer Shirt

Frankie gives great attention to customer satisfaction and quality of service. He is keen to create an environment, where the customer feels completely at home.

Frankie’s parents moved to London from Nigeria, when he was 11 years old. Says Frankie: “I caught the business bug from my mother, who was a trader. While in Nigeria, she would visit London regularly, buy clothes, take them to Nigeria and sell at profit. My father was also a businessman. So I was influenced by their business expertise.”

But as a young man, Frankie’s passion was to play football. He played for the youth teams of several football clubs, including Chelsea, Watford and St.Alban’s.

Says Frankie: “I got injured while playing football and had to think of an alternative way of paying my bills. I turned to the clothing trade.” Frankie has been thinking about opening a shop since 1987.

However, with bills to pay, plus a mortgage, he was hesitant to go ahead. But last year, Frankie decided to take the plunge and TBS menswear opened in East Dulwich.

Frankie acknowledges the assistance given by ABi’s Faith in Business programme to set up his company. He says: “I applied for a loan through the Faith in Business Loan Fund and was successful. It was tough getting the loan. I had to prepare a competitive business plan. The Loan Panel interview was pretty tough and gruelling. But I prepared well and my application was approved. Faith in Business gave me a lifeline. I was able to realise my dream with the support of the Loan Fund.

“Running a shop and getting orders Is hard work. But I am keen to play a part in sharing my experiences and motivating others to enter the world of business.”

Frankie plans to expand the trade to Nigeria and Ghana. A web shop featuring his products, which customers can order on-line, is due to be launched soon.

Contact information

TBS Menswear
105 Grove Vale
East Dulwich SE22 8EN
MOB 07961 1347340 Tel: 0208 6937328

report by Don de Silva