For some time, men’s formalwear retailer Moss Bros was under the cosh with an average network of stores stretching across most major towns and cities.

Shoppers visited in order to hire or purchase their DJs and associated paraphernalia. That situation has changed of late, however, and along with the retailer’s return to profit for the first time in seven years at the beginning of 2012 has come a new look for its Regent Street flagship.

Once again dubbed Moss Bros, instead of Moss, in a nod towards the brand’s heritage, this is a store that takes a large slice of retail tradition and makes it relevant to 21st century shoppers. Trading from two floors, those seeking the formal attire, for which Moss Bros is best known, will head down to the basement.

Here they will encounter an atmospherically lit interior with everything from an island-like feature at the heart of the made-to-measure area, to a row of mannequins raising their toppers at the rear. Graphics and framed photographs remind shoppers that this is Moss Bros and that it’s been in the business of making people look suitably attired for a while.

Upstairs, the mood is more casual for the most part. And the combination of a layout that enables you to see the whole floor and some upscale brands means that this too has a reasonable shout against the heavyweight local competition.

Pride of place has to go to the designer who thought herringbone would be a suitable device for this interior, whether it’s the wood pattern on the basement walls or the tiles on the ground floor. A fine store and symptomatic of a resurgent operation.