NEW YORK, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Iconix Brand Group, Inc. ("Iconix" or the "Company") today announced new license agreements in three core categories; umbrellas, luggage and shoes, for its newly acquired brand, London Fog. TotesIsotoner ("Totes"), the world's largest marketer of umbrellas, gloves and slippers, will hold the license for umbrellas. Leisure Merchandising Corp. ("Leisure") will hold the license for luggage and Eastman Group ("Eastman") will hold the license for footwear. London Fog umbrellas, luggage and shoes will be available at better department stores nationwide in fall 2007.
The Totes agreement is an exclusive multi-year license to manufacture and distribute London Fog umbrellas in the United States. Totes currently owns 85% of the market share of department store business for umbrellas and will distribute London Fog umbrellas through those channels as well as in their retail stores.
Leisure will hold the multi-year license to manufacture and distribute London Fog luggage and travel products in the United States. The travel products will include London Fog suitors, duffel bags and travel accessories.
Eastman will license men's, women's and children's footwear in the United States as part of a long-term license. The first collection will debut in December during the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) shoe show.
Commenting on the new licenses, Neil Cole, Chairman and CEO of Iconix, said, "We are excited about our three new licenses for the London Fog brand and look forward to continuing to grow the business into a complete lifestyle brand. Totes, Leisure and Eastman are leaders in their industries, and their expertise coupled with our marketing know-how will add great value to the London Fog brand."
Michael Katz, Senior Vice President of the US Wholesale Division, of Totes, said, "London Fog traditionally has a strong association to rainwear and we are confident that our consumers will embrace the new London Fog umbrellas. We are pleased to be partnering with Iconix on this exciting endeavor."
Cliff Ensley, President and Founder of Leisure, stated, "We are confident in our ability to manufacture high quality London Fog luggage that will remain true to the brand's heritage. London Fog luggage will allow the brand's broad consumer base to travel with their favorite brand wherever they may go."
Max M. Mizrachi, President of Eastman, stated, "We are excited about our new partnership for London Fog footwear. We think it's a natural extension of the brand and look forward to growing the business in the United States."
In the United States, leading outerwear maker Herman Kay holds the London Fog license for men's and women's outerwear and Amerex (USA), Inc. holds the children's outerwear license. In Canada, Hudson's Bay Company holds a multi-year license to manufacture and distribute London Fog apparel, accessories and lifestyle products in its retail stores the Bay and Zellers.
About Iconix Brand Group:
Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R) and OCEAN PACIFIC (R). The Company licenses it brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market. Iconix, through its in-house advertising agency, advertises and markets its brands to drive consumer awareness and loyalty.
About TotesIsotoner:
TotesIsotoner Corporation, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the world's largest marketer of umbrellas, gloves, slippers, and other weather-related accessories. TotesIsotoner has over 1,000 employees and, in addition to Cincinnati, has offices in New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Hong Kong and Manila. In 1997, totes and ISOTONER merged to form the TotesIsotoner Corporation. The company, which is owned by private equity firm Bruckmann Rosser Sherrill (BRS.com), offers quality products from two of the most recognized apparel brand names in the country. Visit http://www.totesisotoner.com/ for more information.
About Leisure Merchandising Corp:
Since 1978 Leisure(TM) has been one of America's largest privately held manufacturer of luggage and travel goods. Leisure distributes luggage under the Leisure(TM), American Trucking Case(TM) and Advantage(TM) brands to department and specialty stores nationwide and internationally. Also Leisure currently holds the license for Oleg Cassini luggage.
About Eastman Group:
Eastman Group was founded 21 years ago and has become one of the largest and fastest growing footwear importers in the world. Their corporate office is in New York City with satellite offices in China and Hong Kong. Eastman designs and markets an extensive range of men's and women's footwear under several nationally recognized major brands, including Via Spiga, Liz Claiborne, Bill Blass and Totes.
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