Men's apparel store Jos. A. Bank Clothiers said Wednesday it is expanding into the tuxedo rental business. The Hampstead-based retailer will try the concept in 5 percent of its stores this month and, if successful, roll it out to more than half of stores in the spring. The company, which already sells tuxedos, said it was responding to customer demand. It has partnered with a national distributor that will own the inventory and deliver tuxedos to stores, reducing the risk and investment with starting the venture, the company said in a statement. The gross profit rate on rented tuxedos will be lower than on merchandise sales, but the company said there is the potential for higher gross margins if it decides to invest in its own infrastructure.

- Andrea K. Walker