Nautica Expands Golf Sponsorship For 2018

NEW YORK CITY — December 7, 2017 — The Nautica brand, a division of VF Sportswear Inc., which is a subsidiary of VF Corp., announced today that it will be extending its marketing partnership with PGA Tour player Cameron Tringale for an additional year. This will make a total of six years that Tringale, one of the more active players on the PGA Tour, has represented the brand. Along with Cameron Tringale, Nautica is introducing 24-year-old PGA Tour player Michael Kim as a golf brand ambassador. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim moved to the United States when he was 7 and later played for the University of California, Berkeley where in 2013 he became the first Cal men’s golfer to ever win national player of the year honors when he received both the Jack Nicklaus Award & the Haskins Award. He is known as one of the dominant young players in the game.

As part of the agreement, both golfers Tringale and Kim will wear Nautica apparel on course, focusing on the brand’s NavTech performance golf shirts and pants, as well as complementary sweaters, belts and outerwear.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Cameron Tringale and add Michael Kim to the team for 2018,” said Brendan Sullivan, president of Nautica. “Both athletes are great representatives for the Nautica brand, and all that it stands for: an active lifestyle, youthful energy, and strong determination.”

“I’m excited to extend my relationship with Nautica, one of my longest standing partners,” said Tringale. “The NavTech product will help me perform at my best as I chase my first PGA TOUR victory.”

“Nautica is an iconic brand and I am thrilled to be partnering with them,” said Kim.  “They are on the forefront of fashion styling and technology which will help me compete with the world’s best.”

In addition to wearing the brand’s apparel, Tringale and Kim will both be featured in Nautica digital advertising campaigns along with in-store POS, and will be showcased throughout the Nautica website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube. Consumers are able to purchase select NavTech items online now at www.nautica.com and at participating national retailers in the United States.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source: Nautica

Faurecia Pursues Its Digital Transformation With SAP

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — December 7, 2017 — As part of its digital transformation project, Faurecia, one of the world’s leading automotive equipment suppliers, has chosen to reinforce its strategic partnership with SAP, a global leader in enterprise application software.

Following the successful deployment of SAP applications within Faurecia, the two companies have agreed to pursue new projects involving digitization and implementation of SAP Cloud solutions.

Faurecia and SAP first teamed up in 2007 to deploy a single, integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system used by all 330 Faurecia sites. The ERP project is completed and now sets the standard for the industry, providing Faurecia employees with a connected work environment and a shared view of information. The initiative has reduced per-user IT costs by more than 40% on a like-for-like basis.

Patrick Koller, CEO, Faurecia: “This strategic partnership has improved Faurecia’s financial and industrial performance. The group is now in a position to accelerate its digital transformation and ready to fully benefit from new SAP innovations, which will contribute to new competitive advantages.”

“We have been successfully working with Faurecia for more than a decade, but the best is yet to come, said Bill McDermott, CEO, SAP. “Our partnership is built on mutual trust, and a bold spirit of co-innovation. We are thrilled Faurecia was part of the inauguration of the SAP Leonardo Center in Paris. Together we will explore exciting new digital use cases that will help cement Faurecia’s position as an Industry 4.0 thought-leader.”

Founded in 1997, Faurecia has grown to become a leading player in the global automotive industry. With 330 sites including 30 R&D centers in 34 countries, Faurecia is now a global leader in its three areas of business: automotive seating, interior systems and clean mobility. Faurecia supplies automakers with state-of-the-art technology to promote Smart Life on Board and Sustainable Mobility. In 2016, the Group posted total sales of €18.7 billion and had a workforce of 100,000 people. Faurecia is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris stock exchange and trades in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source: Faurecia

Stäubli At Domotex 2018 — Flexible And Always Close To The Customer

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — November 7, 2017 — The world of floor coverings is showing its latest innovations, designs, and technologies at Domotex, this year with a new hall layout. Stäubli, along with its brand Schönherr carpet systems, has a new booth location, one that is still close to its customers. All interested persons are invited to visit Stäubli in Hall 6 at Booth H28.

With its ALPHA carpet weaving machines, Stäubli is renowned worldwide for unsurpassed flexibility. Whether for weaving loop or flat carpeting, low or high pile, high-density rugs for traditional markets, or ultra-modern uni-coloured rugs with surface design effects, the ALPHA 500 series of weaving systems includes the ideal model for any carpet weaving project – while also giving mills the flexibility to handle all sorts of future applications.

Trend-setting technology for any low-pile application

Low-pile applications take various forms, from trendy used-look rugs to lightweight wall-to-wall carpeting for the transportation sector or light carpets, which require a combination of low pile and high density. Each of these requires know-how and weaving technology suited to specific needs. The broad range of ALPHA carpet weaving systems includes perfectly adapted solutions for each of these applications as well as uncounted others. The key components, such as the cutting device guided by a belt to ensure perfectly plane carpet surfaces, or a special device for forming perfectly aligned 2mm mini-loops, or the ultra-flexible and precise shed formation machines, all incorporate Stäubli know-how, which the company offers to weavers aiming to create an attractive and competitive carpet range and remain ideally poised to swiftly respond to future market demands.

Highly flexible and responsive partner answering the mill’s needs

No matter how good a machine is, its full potential can be realised only through perfect operation. That’s why customer support is a top priority at Stäubli. As a consultancy partner, the company analyses the mill’s needs with the customer to choose the best machines and solutions to cost-effectively meet the stated goals. The ALPHA range is as comprehensive as any, forming the ideal basis for intelligent solutions for any mill. Stäubli’s experts are there to assist – from initial planning all the way through to final handover of the equipment. And after overseeing installation, testing, and fine tuning of the machinery, Stäubli trains the operators and production planning staff (using CSS software) so that the mill is sure to derive the fullest benefit from the high-performance equipment. Training programmes are tailored to the mill’s wishes and needs and conducted in the mill or at Stäubli’s training centre in Bayreuth, Germany. Highly competent service technicians (permanently stationed in China, Iran, Turkey, and the USA) complete Stäubli’s comprehensive service offer, which is delivered worldwide.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source : Stäubli

INDA Career Corner Website Posts STEM Student Resumes For Nonwoven/Engineered Materials Industries

CARY, N.C. — December 7, 2017 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces a new benefit to nonwoven/engineered materials companies seeking to hire university students in STEM disciplines. INDA’s new Career Corner posts resumes of students interested in nonwoven entry level career opportunities, internships, and co-op programs. Listings can be viewed at http://www.inda.org/CareerCorner/jobslist.php.

“The new Career Corner on INDA’s website was developed in response to INDA members’ need to identify and recruit talented individuals in the thriving nonwovens and engineered materials industry,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President. “To keep our industry vibrant we need to position it attractively so we have talented people choosing to pursue careers in engineered fabrics. With Career Corner, INDA members can find candidates and post open positions as a free service to INDA member companies.”

INDA’s Academic Outreach Committee and INDA’s Assistant Director of Career Services advanced awareness of our thriving industry to six Southeast Universities during the 2017 fall semester. Members of INDA’s Outreach Committee include executive representatives from Berry Global Group Inc., Fibertex Nonwovens, Fitesa, Freudenberg Performance Materials, Glatfelter, Johns Manville Corp., Kimberly-Clark Corp., Lydall Performance Materials, The Nonwovens Institute, The Proctor & Gamble Co., Suominen, and others.

INDA exhibited at The University of Tennessee, Clemson University, The University of South Carolina, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, and Auburn University.  INDA presented nonwoven/engineered materials as a diverse technology-oriented, exciting industry solving real problems and engaged more than 1,200 students in STEM disciplines collecting over 290 resumes for industry opportunities. 

Spring 2018 career fair planning includes presentations at The Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of South Carolina, NC State University, and Virginia Commonwealth University, among others. For details on the program contact:  Justin Gutierrez, Assistant Director of Career Services INDA.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

The Pantone Color of the Year 2018: Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet

PantoneColorOfTheYear2018CARLSTADT, N.J. — December 7, 2017 — Pantone — a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Inc., and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions — today announced PANTONE 18-3838, Ultra Violet, as the Pantone® Color of the Year for 2018. A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us towards the future.

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.” Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.

“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” added Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “As individuals around the world become more fascinated with color and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use color to inspire and influence. The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.”

Ultra Violet in Graphic Design and Packaging

As packaging design becomes more sophisticated, Ultra Violet offers complexity and nuance that appeals to our desire for originality in all that we touch. Similarly, in graphic design, Ultra Violet resonates with this dynamic medium through its multi-dimensional feeling. Shades of Ultra Violet are increasingly used in packaging and graphic design by forward-looking brands in the CPG, luxury, and beauty worlds as well as by personalities and artists seeking to stand out.

Ultra Violet in Food

Considered exotic and enticing, purple fruits, vegetables, and starches, such as acai, purple shaded cauliflower, yams, carrots, asparagus and cabbage are also known for their natural health benefits. These new “it” foods are naturally rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and also bring vibrancy and sophistication to the table.

Ultra Violet in Fashion

On the runway or the streets, Ultra Violet is an enchanting purple that provides a theatrical linkage for both men’s and women’s styles. True to the coupled nature of Ultra Violet, created by combining red and blue, Ultra Violet lends itself to unique color combinations in fashion and is easier to pair with all colors on the spectrum than one might think. With golds or other metallics, Ultra Violet becomes luxurious and dazzling; with greens or greys it evokes natural elegance. Similarly, Ultra Violet takes on distinct appearances with different materials. Lush velvets in the color suggest intrigue for evening, but are also unexpectedly modern in athleisure or sneakers. In accessories, jewelry, and eyewear, Ultra Violet suggests the complexities of natural gems, textures, and florals.

Ultra Violet in Beauty

Ultra Violet becomes spell-binding and steeped in spirituality in beauty to create expressive looks for all. The complex and deep nature of the color is well-suited for beauty looks created by combinations, blends, and ombres. A singular matte purple on the lips or nails makes a bold statement of non-conformity, while softly blended metallics and shimmers in Ultra Violet transform the eyes into windows to the cosmos. Purple shades in hair continue to elevate street styles as a symbol of creative expression. On the palette for every beauty medium, Ultra Violet complements and emboldens every other color, adding complexity and mystery.

Ultra Violet in Home Décor

In interiors, Ultra Violet can transform a room into one of extraordinary self-expression, or conversely its polish can tone down a room with subdued, modern pairings. Adding spice and brightness, Ultra Violet calls attention to a tufted couch, piece of art or accent wall. As a color that can take you in so many directions, Ultra Violet makes a statement in any space, whether it’s one of tradition and elegance or unexpected boldness.  In hospitality, we are seeing purples like Ultra Violet take center stage in interior spaces as large and small hotels harness color and design to entice travelers and stay relevant.

Saatchi Art x Pantone Color of Year 2018 Collection

As an expression of the imagination and creativity that Ultra Violet provokes, Pantone has partnered with Saatchi Art (saatchiart.com), the world’s leading online gallery for emerging art, to create a limited-edition collection of official Pantone Color of the Year 2018 prints. The collection, available for purchase beginning January 1, 2018, will include new works by international artists, working in painting, sculpture and printmaking, that embody the spirit of Ultra Violet. This collection will allow lovers of Pantone and art alike to experience Ultra Violet’s inspiration in their daily lives.

Adobe Stock x Pantone Color Of Year 2018

This year’s Pantone Color of the Year, Ultra Violet, offers a powerful tool to those who communicate visually – expressing the heart of the creative process, where originality, ingenuity, and imagination define the work. To celebrate and inspire the creative community, Pantone has partnered with Adobe Stock for a curated Color of the Year 2018 collection. With more than 100 million visual assets, Adobe Stock offers an amazing resource for visual inspiration and creative development.

Limited Edition Pantone Color of Year 2018 Guides

For the first time, Pantone will also release limited-edition collections of Pantone Color of the Year 2018 Formula Guides and Fashion, Home + Interiors Color Guides as collector’s items for designers, to enable them to more easily integrate Ultra Violet into their workflow, and drawing the connection between the inspiration that the Color of the Year offers to the color achievability and consistency that Pantone standards ensure.  Guides will feature a specialized Color of the Year cover with information on Ultra Violet enclosed within the guide. Sold exclusively on Pantone.com, these guides are perfect gifts for designers who are already on the pulse of color trends, or for up-and-comers who want to deck out their desk with the sleekest tools.

Pricing:

  • Pantone Color of the Year 2018 Formula Guide (Coated & Uncoated): SRP $165
  • Pantone Color of the Year 2018 Fashion, Home + Interiors Color Guide: SRP $215

About the Pantone Color of the Year
The Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even up-coming sporting events that capture worldwide attention. For 19 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past selections for Color of the Year include:

  • PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery (2017)
  • PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)
  • PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
  • PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
  • PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
  • PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
  • PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
  • PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
  • PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
  • PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
  • PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
  • PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
  • PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
  • PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
  • PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
  • PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
  • PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
  • PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

The color selected as our Pantone Color of the Year 2018 was taken from the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standards system for fashion, textile, home, and interior design.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source: Pantone

FilSpec USA Now A Proud Member Of AFFOA

Ellerbe, N.C. — December 7, 2017 — FilSpec USA is proud to announce its new membership to the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America Manufacturing Innovation Institute (AFFOA) as Fabric Innovation Network (FIN) Member.

Shared values and vision

Like FilSpec USA, AFFOA puts high performance textile innovation and conception at the heart of its priorities. A partnership with this association was the logical next step to pursue FilSpec USA’s mission centered on the production of always improved, innovative and effective textile solutions.

This partnership with AFFOA lays the foundation of a collaboration between FilSpec and AFFOA, especially the other FIN Members from government, industry and academia. FilSpec will use its expertise, capabilities and production capacity to support research programs.

Moreover, the company will participate in activities such as technology development, knowledge generation and dissemination, as well as education and workforce development.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source: Filspec USA

MADE IN GREEN By OEKO-TEX® Establishes Itself In The Home Textile Sector

ZURICH — December 7, 2017 — Customers are particularly demanding if the textile has direct contact with skin. Since 1992, OEKO-TEX® has offered textile testing for harmful substances using independent laboratory tests. Yet customer consciousness towards textiles is constantly expanding and nowadays other questions are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions: Was this bedding produced under socially responsible and safe conditions? Were these towels produced by an environmentally friendly company? The MADE IN GREEN label answers all the customer’s queries with a clear and simple “yes”. It is only issued for textile products that have been tested for harmful substances according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX and that also originate from sustainable production facilities following the requirements of the STeP by OEKO-TEX certification (STeP stands for “Sustainable Textile Production”). “If customers consider the MADE IN GREEN LABEL, they have the opportunity to make a sustainable purchase decision for themselves, fellow human beings and the environment” explained Georg Dieners, General Secretary of the OEKO-TEX Association.

Although the label was only introduced in 2015, numerous home textiles are now labelled with MADE IN GREEN, the clear commitment to improving product safety and ecological and social production conditions. This includes mattress toppers and incontinence support, hand towels, bedding and pillows from the companies Amidex, Dibella, Loftex, Setex, and Adam Matheis GmbH und Co. KG with their brand Schlafgut (Sleep Well), just to name a few.

The MADE IN GREEN label offers consumers a level of transparency that was previously unattainable. Each label has a unique product ID or QR code. With this, customers can trace the production of the respective product directly in the shop via their smartphone. A brief scan of the QR code provides answers, among others, to questions such as: In which production facility along the textile chain was this textile produced? In which countries did production take place? This creates trust and offers customers an additional opportunity to inform themselves directly about products and compare them to one another when buying textiles. The MADE IN GREEN label, introduced in spring 2015, is therefore a compelling sales argument, particularly for brands and retailers with an affiliated supply chain that market to health conscious and responsibly minded customers.

To simplify the selection of MADE IN GREEN labelled products for retailers and companies, OEKO-TEX provides the OEKO-TEX Buying Guide free of charge at www.oeko-tex.com/products. The tool provides support with the sourcing of raw materials and products, as well as in the selection of cooperative partners and suppliers along the textile chain. OEKO-TEX thus offers companies and retailers a complete system based on highly coordinated and integrated labels and services. Those wishing to obtain an overview in person can speak directly to the OEKO-TEX experts from several member institutes at the Heimtextil exhibition 2018 in hall 8.0, booth D96.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source: OEKO-TEX®

Downlite Introduces Sustainovation Program — Innovative Down Fills Rooted In Sustainability

MASON, Ohio — December 7, 2017 — With more than 100 years of down processing expertise that began in Europe prior to settling in the United States in the late 1940’s, Downlite not only knows a thing or two about down, but how the buying trends of this commodity have evolved over the years.

“Years ago, buyers’ primary concerns when purchasing down and feather for bedding and outdoor gear were that it was clean and delivered to factories on time,” said Chad Altbaier, vice president, Downlite Outdoor. “Today there are many additional factors involved in the buying decision such as where and how the down is sourced, a supplier’s stand on environmental and sustainability matters, product innovation and cost. We continually need to be pro-active and rigorously evolve on each of these fronts.”

Being in tune with customer needs and market conditions, Downlite has developed new down-fill innovations involving natural and recycled materials, which offer the dual benefit of enhancing the performance of the material, while being grounded in its core value of environmental stewardship.

At the forthcoming 2018 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and ISPO trade show, Downlite will highlight the following new down fills and sustainability initiatives.

Performance Fills

  • GRS certified re/charged™ down provides unprecedented performance levels for 100% recycled down due to its ability to ‘boost’ the down to a higher cluster and resulting fill power. re/charged down is offered in both white and gray colors and can be combined with Downlite’s performance-enhancing technologies such as its proprietary PFC-free DWR treatments and Pur-Down™ anti-microbial solution. Downlite has increased capacity to meet increased customer demand for GRS certified re/charged down.
  • Repreve®-down blend is an intimate blend of Repreve — a brand creating GRS certified post-consumer recycled fiber made from plastic bottles – and virgin down and/or Downlite’s GRS certified recycled down blends. Repreve down-blend offers a sustainable solution with enhanced performance benefits.
  • Wool-Down HALO™ is a proprietary blend of nature’s best insulating materials. Wool-Down HALO uses a traceable wool sourced in the U.S. and has achieved new laundry durability standards. This fiber brings the temperature and humidity control benefits of wool together with the loft, softness, and compressibility of down.
  • PFC-Free DWR Treatment Enhancements offering increased wash durability and performance in PFC-free DWR treated down and down blends.

Sustainability initiatives

  • Waste Water Recycling System — A little over one year ago, Downlite installed an advanced waste water recycling system, which allows Downlite to dramatically reduce the amount of water needed to cleanse down and feathers to hypo-allergenic levels – two times governmental standards. To date, the system has recycled 36MM gallons of water. That’s enough water to fill nearly 55 Olympic size swimming pools!
  • 1% For the Planet — 1% of the sales of Downlite’s GRS certified re/charged™ down, in addition to 1% of sales of the company’s eco-friendly Evolution of Comfort bedding collection from its Home Division featuring organic and recycled materials, earth-friendly components and chemistries, will be donated to 1% For the Planet.
  • Composting — Downlite engages with an outside organic recycling company to utilize the large waste feathers that traditionally end up in landfill and, instead, treat them for soil compost. The dry feathers help make the compost more manageable when mixed with other matter. Due to feathers added pore space, they also degrade the organic matter of the compost more efficiently. Lastly, feathers are rich in keratin, a protein that slowly releases nitrogen when added to compost. The slow release of nitrogen allows for long-term plant growth stimulation.

Brand Partners

Downlite proudly supplies its performance down fills to the following prestigious brands: Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear, Ralph Lauren, lululemon, REI, Cascade Designs, Jack Wolfskin, Berghaus, Helly Hanson, Nemo, Mammut and Bergans, among others.

Posted December 7, 2017

Source: Downlite

Boston Footwear Executive Bob Mullaney Named President/CEO Of RG Barry Corp.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — December 6, 2017 — RG Barry Corp., a developer and marketer of lifestyle footwear and accessory brands and products, today announced the appointment of Boston footwear executive Bob Mullaney as president and CEO, effective immediately. As president and CEO, Mullaney will be responsible for the overall leadership and continued growth of RG Barry and its portfolio of brands Dearfoams, Baggallini, and Foot Petals. Mullaney will report directly to the RG Barry Corporation Board of Directors.

Mullaney comes to RG Barry with a 20-year proven track record in building and transforming industry-leading footwear and lifestyle brands. Most recently, Mullaney was president and chief operating officer of Shoes.com (formerly Shoebuy.com), the world’s second-largest ecommerce footwear retailer. There, he strategically repositioned the online retail shoe pioneer from a basic transactional site to an optimized online customer shopping experience, leading the company to a double-digit growth trajectory.

Prior to his role at Shoes.com, Mullaney served as president of Americas for The Rockport Company, where he was responsible for the successful growth and development of the wholesale and retail businesses. Under his leadership, the company achieved solid top-line growth and channel optimization, leading to the successful sale of the company from the Adidas Group to a new entity established by Boston-based investment firm Berkshire Partners and New Balance Holdings. Previous to that, Mullaney held significant leadership roles at Vida Group and The Stride Rite Corp. He is currently an active Two Ten Footwear Foundation Member.

“The Board believes that Bob’s extensive leadership experience coupled with his success at effecting change make him the right person at the right time to help execute the strategic priorities of RG Barry Corporation,” said Scott Scharfman, chairman of the RG Barry Corporation Board of Directors. “Bob is a commercially-minded leader; his passion for building brands, deep ecommerce experience and relentless consumer focus will be critical as we drive accelerated growth and expand our customer reach.

“As an individual, Bob is emblematic of our brand promise, reflecting a leadership approach that values operational excellence, customer service and a collaborative corporate culture. On behalf of the entire organization, we couldn’t be more pleased about his appointment to this critical role; we look forward to his valuable contributions as he leads our company to future success,” added Scharfman.

“This is an amazing opportunity and privilege to further lead the evolution of this tremendous company,” said Mullaney. “The quality of our people−a dynamic group of professionals−is both undeniable and inspiring and will be central to building our business. We’ll target brand growth through a relentless consumer focus, a commitment to product innovation and compelling brand marketing. We’ll further accelerate our business as we fuel our key engines of growth, including enhanced ecommerce capabilities, global expansion, great licensing partnerships and strategic acquisitions.”

Mullaney, 46, holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Communications from Babson College and a Masters of Business Administration from Bentley College.

Posted December 6, 2017

Source: RG Barry Corp.

PVH Corp. Announces Launch Of 500 Million Euro Private Offering Of Senior Notes And Delivery Of Conditional Notice Of Redemption Of Its 4.50 Percent Senior Notes Due 2022

NEW YORK CITY — December 6, 2017 — PVH Corp. today announced that it has commenced an offer to sell 500 million euro principal amount of senior notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”). The company also delivered a Conditional Notice of Redemption to holders of its outstanding 4.50 percent Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”), at a redemption price of 102.250 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. The redemption is conditioned on the completion of the offering of the 2027 Notes in an aggregate principal amount of at least 500 million euros. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the 2027 Notes, together with borrowings under its revolving credit facility and cash on hand, to fund the redemption of all of the 2022 Notes.

The 2027 Notes are being offered in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers in the U.S. pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to certain persons outside of the U.S. pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 2027 Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and may not be offered or sold in the U.S. without registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Completion of the offering is subject to market and other conditions.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the 2027 Notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption with respect to the 2022 Notes to be redeemed with the net proceeds of the offering. There can be no assurances that the conditions precedent to the redemption of the 2022 Notes will be satisfied or that the redemption of the 2022 Notes will occur.

Posted December 6, 2017

Source: PVH Corp.

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