A luxury menswear professional with many years' experience in the trade has launched his first store.

Mark James Hubert snapped up a menswear shop in St Peter's Street, Ipswich, after he was approached by the owner who wanted to retire.

After mulling the idea, he decided to launch his own menswear retail brand - called James St Peters.

James St Peters outfit being modelled in Ipswich (Image: Roj Whitelock) The store - which has been given a major facelift - builds on the legacy of its predecessor, The Italian Shirt Shop. It is named after Mark's grandad, James, who owned an antiques business up the road.

Mark - who is originally from Ipswich and a big fan of the town - was keen to combine Italian craftsmanship and British character to create what he believes is a "unique" shopping experience.

Mark - who has spent many years working in manufacturing and branding for luxury firms - was brought up in the town's Fircroft Road and went to Dale Hall School.

Inside the store  (Image: Roj Whitelock) He started his career at Vanners silk factory in Sudbury where he rose from design apprentice to design director and commercial director.

Later, he played a big part in creating luxury menswear retailer Duchamp in London - owned by Mitchell Jacobs - where he was design director. He went on to work for a fabric and clothing company in Switzerland, then a company in Macclesfield.

Now aged 55, he came across The Italian Shirt Shop while visiting the town's high street. He popped in to ask about parking. He later returned and ended up in a long conversation with the then-owner - Antonio Bellini.

Outside the store (Image: Roj Whitelock) "I said: 'Why haven't I been in here before?'" he said. "I walked through and said: 'This is quite extraordinary.'"

He was impressed at the store's "exceptional" Bond Street-level supplier. "After a nice chat he said: 'I'm thinking of retiring.'"

He asked whether Mark would like to take it on. Mark spent a month thinking it through - and decided to take the plunge.

A model in James St Peters menswear (Image: Roj Whitelock) "I thought for the last 10 years I'm going to do something I love and give it a good go," he said. "Everyone said: 'Are you mad?'"

While physical retail is suffering on UK high streets, he feels Ipswich has a lot of untapped potential.

"I'm up for a challenge. I don't think retail is dead," he said.

James St Peters menswear outfit (Image: Roj Whitelock) "I think Ipswich has a lot going for it. I think personally we under-estimate it. I think it's actually on the cusp. People moan about it but they are moaning in the wrong way. It's becoming more diverse and you just have to embrace it."

He added: “Ipswich has a spirit and a promise I believe in. By opening here, I hope to contribute to its bright future and a store with a heart, created by someone who believes in Ipswich’s potential."

He has noticed people from the arts world and elsewhere being drawn to the area, he said.

(Image: Roj Whitelock)

His aim is to work with expert craftsmen and stock collections of "exceptional quality" but without inflated designer prices. The store is offering an exclusive collection under its own label, Antonio Bellini.

“At James St. Peters, it’s not just about selling clothes—it’s about delivering an experience rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity,” he said.

(Image: Roj Whitelock) “We offer luxury that feels effortless, meaningful, and designed to last.”

He has created a space which evokes "the refined elegance of a British gentlemen’s club", he said. He is also offering a bespoke service with private appointments at home or the office.

He is also planning to launch an e-commerce website in the new year.

(Image: Roj Whitelock) (Image: Roj Whitelock)