Premium menswear boutique in Newcastle’s CBD
When Rob Moore moved to Newcastle with his partner and children two years ago, he had a vision that combined his experience in European menswear with a passion for creating something fresh and unique in our local retail scene.
Rob Moore
After spending lockdown in Newcastle and observing its growth, Rob saw potential in an area that has long been dominated by womenswear boutiques and more specialised offerings.
“What really struck me was that while Newcastle has so much to offer, there wasn’t much for men when it came to high quality fashion.
“A lot of people were moving back to Newcastle or relocating from other major cities, and there was this emerging international vibe. But no one was really serving the menswear market,” Rob said.
That gap in the market became the driving force behind Rob’s decision to open The Rake, a stylish menswear store located in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD right next door to Wilson & Hunter.
Since its opening in October 2023, the store has quickly made its mark in both its bricks and mortar store and online offering with its curated selection of high-quality and international brands that weren’t previously as accessible in our local area.
“Most people are used to having to either shop online or travel to Sydney or Melbourne for this kind of selection. Then there are others that have come through and aren’t necessarily familiar with the brands, but they’ve appreciated the quality and craftmanship of the products we stock. So far, it’s been a really positive reception.”
Rob’s background in fashion, particularly his time spent working in Europe, has heavily influenced the store’s offerings. The Rake features a mix of international and local brands, each chosen for its story, heritage, and commitment to quality.
Among these is Armor Lux, a French brand known for its 90-year history of manufacturing cotton and wool uniforms for the French public service.
“They’ve been making high-quality, natural fibre products in the same factory since the very beginning. When people come in-store, they may not have heard of the brand, but they instantly feel the difference in the quality. It’s accessible and the price to quality ratio is really well aligned.
Another standout brand stocked is OAS, a Swedish company specialising in resort wear.
“Their collection of cotton, linen, and rayon shirts and swimwear has been a big hit, especially with Newcastle’s beach culture.”
Beyond clothing, The Rake also showcases unique lifestyle products like Japanese ceramic candles from Provider Store.
“A friend of mine, Tara, runs the store in Sydney. She sources the ceramics from different makers in Japan and then pours the candles herself. It’s a product that not only smells amazing but has a story behind it, and that’s what we’re about here – offering brands that people can connect with.”
Rob’s vision for The Rake isn’t just about selling products; it’s about creating an experience and fostering a connection between customers and the brands.
“We’re not aiming to sell things for the sake of selling. We want people to appreciate and align with the story behind each brand.”
For Newcastle, The Rake is filling a long-overdue void.
“There’s not a whole lot of choice for menswear in Newcastle. Guys are starting to realize and appreciate that quality matters. It’s not just about the brand, it’s about how things are made, the production process, and building a relationship with the brands and the businesses you buy from.”
Looking ahead, Rob is excited about expanding the brand’s offering. Constantly on the lookout for new brands and products, summer is already looking exciting with a bunch of some exciting new product launches in store.
As Newcastle continues to evolve, The Rake is poised to be a key player in the city’s growing fashion landscape. Rob’s passion for quality, craftsmanship, and connection is clear, and with an eye on both the local community and potential international visitors, The Rake is well on its way to become a go-to for menswear across the region.
