Carhartt Appoints New Chief Brand Officer

Susan Hennike

DEARBORN, Mich. — August 15, 2022 — Carhartt, America’s family-owned workwear brand since 1889, today announced the appointment of Susan Hennike as the company’s new chief brand officer (CBO). Hennike brings more than 20 years of experience in global product marketing to Carhartt, throughout which she developed an excellent track record of growing some of the world’s most well-known apparel brands. She will report to Linda Hubbard, Carhartt’s president and COO.

As CBO, Hennike will lead the strategic development of multi-year brand strategies that position the company for sustained growth and profitability across matrixed business units. She will oversee and collaborate with Product, Brand and Strategy (PBS) — a team of nearly 200 associates across creative, marketing, product, and R&D, among other workstreams. Her vision for global brand building will help shape an inspiring experience for consumers and associates, while identifying new opportunities to advance the brand and preserve its heritage.

“Susan has an incredible reputation of growing emerging and established apparel brands across diverse audiences and reaching consumers creatively and authentically,” Hubbard said. “Her vision will help shape Carhartt’s future, improve the experience for all hardworking people and find new ways to reach those who have yet to experience Carhartt.”

Hennike joins Carhartt from Bombas where she led the next evolution of the apparel brand’s multi-category strategy and vision as chief product officer. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at HANESBRANDS, where she emerged as president of Champion North America. During her tenure at Champion, she led the athletic brand to double digit-growth, oversaw the development of its direct-to-consumer platform and drove all creative content and storytelling for the brand. She has worked with many other notable apparel brands throughout her career, including Victoria’s Secret, Nike and Adidas International. Hennike earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Ohio.

Posted: August 15, 2022

Source: Carhartt, Inc.

Brett Rife Named Chair Of Down And Feather Group

Brett Rife

NEW YORK CITY — August 15, 2022 — The American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), a division of the Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA), has named Brett Rife as its new chair.  Rife, vice president of sales for Keeco LLC, will succeed former Chair Travis ‎Stier, of Down Décor.

Rife is an industry veteran and brings nearly 22 years of experience to his position. Prior to his role at Keeco, he served as the vice president of sales for Pacific Coast Feather Co. and Hollander. Rife has also worked on bedding programs with worldwide hotel companies along with managing key account responsibilities at some of the largest U.S. retailers.

Throughout his two-decade career, he has served in various roles including sales, leadership, and training/education. His career has taken him globally to both Europe and China where he launched and managed a hospitality business and sales program.

In taking the helm of the council, Rife noted, “ADFC’s goal of improving product quality and advancing ‎common industry interests dovetails with my passion for down and feather education, training, and in ‎creating a level industry playing field.”‎

Posted: August 15, 2022

Source: The American Down & Feather Council (ADFC)

Regel™ Fiber Is Now bluesign® APPROVED

BANGKOK, Thailand — August 14, 2022 — Regel™ fiber, recycled acrylic fiber from Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. (TAF) – Aditya Birla Group, is now bluesign® APPROVED, in addition to being a GRS certified acrylic fiber. This certifies that Regel meets the safety and environmental requirements of bluesign CRITERIA, the latest milestone in their long journey path towards sustainability.

Regel is TAF’s second product that gets bluesign APPROVED after its flagship gel-dyed acrylic fiber Radianza™. Regel was launched earlier this year by TAF that was developed as a result of growing demand of sustainable fashion products from global consumers, brands and retailers

Waste accumulation and its management is one of the key sustainability challenges of the industry and therefore recycling pre-consumer, post-consumer and in-process waste to make new products is one of the most preferred and prevalent ways to reduce the environment impact. Regel is a unique innovation as it is one of the first successful commercialization of acrylic fiber produced by recycling the waste. It is manufactured with an authentic and intimate chemical recycling process which is functionally equivalent to acrylic fiber like warmth, comfort, and vibrant shades.

bluesign APPROVED articles go through a rigorous certification process by Bluesign Technologies AG — the organization behind the certification — and it certifies that these articles are manufactured with a minimum impact on people and the environment.

“We are very proud to receive bluesign APPROVED certification for Regel fiber. We have been getting a lot of overwhelming responses since the launch of Regel. This bluesign APPROVED certification will further strengthen the credentials of Regel as a sustainable fiber and ensure our customers that any fabric made with Regel is produced responsibly in respect to the environment and the safety of the people. This certification is a part of our larger sustainability strategy, and we will continue our vision towards a sustainable future”, said Thomas Varghese, business head – Textiles – Aditya Birla Group.

Posted: August 15, 2022

Source: Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd.

Unitex Continues Expansion Into The MA Life Science Market

LAWRENCE, Mass. — August 11, 2022 — Unitex and Dacon have added 97,000 square feet of production space to Unitex’s Lawrence facility in response to the vibrant market growth.  Focused on the life science and medical sectors, Unitex is the nation’s largest family-owned linen and uniform service provider to the health industry, with 13 locations in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and now Massachusetts.

The first phase — 90,000 square feet for large-scale processing of bulk hospital/long-term care facility linens — was repurposed from the former Crown Holdings headquarters, a global beverage and food can manufacturer which had operated in Lawrence for more than 25 years. This expansion is focused on the laundry processing of uniforms and supplies for ambulatory care/outpatient medical facilities.

President of Unitex, David Potack, commented: “Unitex is excited to expand our client service offerings in the greater Boston and Eastern New England markets with the construction of our newest facility, which will focus on outpatient and ambulatory healthcare locations. Boston is truly a healthcare hub for growth and innovation and our increased capacity to serve new clients in this market is an exciting development in the evolution of our company. We are proud of our record in constructing environmentally sustainable laundry facilities, where automation is paramount and helps us deliver reliable, consistent high-quality service and products to our clients every day.”

Lawrence is Unitex’s first facility located in the Massachusetts market. An immigrant success story rooted in the hospitality linen industry, this year marks Unitex’s 100th anniversary with Rob and David Potack as the 4th generation of family members to assume leadership.  The firm operates 365 days a year and has attained the TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification for its best management practices in operations, training and sterilization. Unitex’s strategy is based upon a green business model, investing in technology, operations, environmental quality and training focused on natural resource conservation. Operational results:

  • Waste heat reclamation yields gas savings equivalent to usage by 1,200+ households and electricity savings enough to power 200+ homes per year.
  • Water technology reduces detergent use and excess water waste resulting in annual water savings equivalent to usage by 5,000 homes.
  • Detergents are composed of 100-percent organic chemicals.  In place of chlorine bleach, an oxygen-based, biodegradable cleansing agent is used to protect waterways and reduce linen damage.
  • LED lighting, high-speed automation and infrared monitored dryer temperature controls contribute to electricity and gas savings.
  • Ironing machines each have their own gas burner, making them 20 percent more efficient.
  • Delivery trucks contain GPS telemetry and real-time tracking, resulting in efficient routing and reduction of fuel use and emissions.  Trucks are programmed to shut off after 3 minutes of idling.
  • Plastic recycling totals 1.5 million pounds each year.

Dacon’s CEO, Kevin Quinn, states “Unitex’s long-term heritage, community focus and environmental commitment underscore their business ethics and acumen.  It has been a joy working with them.”

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: Dacon

JCPenney Appoints New CFO

LEWISVILLE, Texas — August 11, 2022 — JCPenney — the shopping destination for America’s diverse, working families — announced today the appointment of Stephanie Plaines as the CFO, effective immediately.

Plaines will lead all financial activities across the enterprise. She will drive best-in-class execution across functions including financial strategy, real estate, capital deployment, credit services, sourcing and procurement, treasury, and accounting. She will also apply decades of experience working with data to improve business performance and profitability.

“JCPenney is investing for the long-term while executing our customer-focused strategy to enhance shopping experiences and build brand loyalty,” said Marc Rosen, CEO. “Stephanie brings more than 20 years of high-performance strategic and financial leadership with best-in-class global retailers. Her deep strengths in data-forward financial management and track record of value creation will make her an invaluable advisor throughout the business as we develop new digital and technology capabilities to advance our transformation agenda.”

Plaines most recently served as CFO at Jones Lang LaSalle, a leading global commercial real estate services company. She brings experience as a senior executive at companies including Starbucks, Walmart and Ahold Delhaize. Plaines currently serves as a board director and audit committee member for Nielsen Holdings plc and The Clorox Company. Plaines earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Texas at Austin.

“I’m excited to join such an iconic American company during this time of pivotal transformation,” said Plaines. “I am looking forward to working with Marc, his leadership team and the finance organization to advance the next chapter of growth for the company, drive customer-centric, sustainable expansion and continue to position JCPenney to win in the marketplace.”

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: JCPenney

fabric inc. Appoints Sandra Campos To Board Of Directors

SEATTLE — August 11, 2022 — fabric, a headless commerce platform designed by experts and purpose-built for growth, today announced the appointment of Sandra Campos to its board of directors. fabric partnered with the Latino Corporate Directors Association who helped identify talented individuals ready for director roles, and Campos’ brand and retail experience differentiated her from a list of exceptionally qualified candidates. She joins the board as the company’s first independent director.

Campos brings decades of retail and digital commerce experience to fabric’s Board, having served as CEO of DVF (Diane von Furstenberg), co-president of Women’s Apparel Group at Centric Brands (Juicy Couture, Bebe, Buffalo, Tretorn, BCBG, and Hervé Legér), president of O Oscar, an Oscar de la Renta division, and senior vice president roles at Polo Ralph Lauren and Nautica. She is also a board member at Big Lots and Daniel’s Jewelers.

“We are thrilled to add Sandra to our Board of Directors as she is one of us — an executive who has worked at the highest levels of many of the most iconic retail and fashion brands of our time,” said Faisal Masud, CEO of fabric. “Sandra brings so much to the table — she is both a visionary and an operator and I expect that her insights and counsel will profoundly impact our strategies as we innovate on behalf of our customers.”

Campos is also very involved in volunteer activities and giving back is a foundational component of her personal credo. She is a Board Member of Girls, Inc., a network of nonprofit organizations serving girls ages 5-18 at more than 1,500 sites in 350 cities across the United States and Canada, where girls learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the support they need to navigate the challenges they face. Additionally, she is a Director at the Latino Corporate Directors Association, whose mission is to develop, support, and increase the number of US Latinos on corporate boards.

“The team at fabric is inventing the future of commerce and I could not be more excited to start collaborating with this savvy and experienced group of professionals,” said Sandra Campos. “Consumer expectations around the shopping experience continue to grow and they are actually getting more complex. fabric’s technology provides retailers and brands maximum flexibility, scalability and customization to create exceptional shopping experiences. It’s technology I wish I had access to years ago!”

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: fabric inc.

Pendleton Woolen Mills Resumes Mill Tours At Washougal, Wash., And Pendleton, Ore., Mills

PORTLAND, Ore. — August 9, 2022 — Pendleton Woolen Mills — the global lifestyle brand headquartered in Portland, Ore. — has resumed mill tours at their Washougal, Wash., and Pendleton, Ore., mills. The mill tours show the entire vertical operation that brings iconic Pendleton wool blankets and fabrics to life.

The mill tour in Washougal walks guests through every step in the making of Pendleton wool blankets and fabric. This includes:

  • Raw wool: sourced from local and global wool ranchers;
  • Dyeing: state-of-the-art dye color lab to ensure color control and matching;
  • Wool carding and spinning: turning wool into yarn;
  • Weaving on dobby looms: creates Pendleton’s famous plaids, stripes and solids; and
  • Finishing touches: washing, hand inspection and boxing.

The mill tour in Pendleton offers guests an inside look into:

  • Jacquard looms: state-of-the-art two-story looms weaving graphic and pictorial designs; and
  • Wool spinning: turning wool into yarn.

The Pendleton mill was originally built in 1893 and has been operating as Pendleton Woolen Mills since 1909. The Washougal mill was acquired by Pendleton Woolen Mills in 1912. During this time, there were more than 1,000 woolen mills operating in America’s 46 states. Today, Pendleton operates two of the remaining four woolen mills in the United States. Both mills are continually updated for sustainability and innovation.

“We are excited to be able to welcome guests into both of Pendleton’s mills again,” said Rolan Snider, vice president of textile manufacturing at Pendleton. “The mills offer an experience into the commitment, experience, quality and investment in technology that has given the brand its “Warranted to Be” legacy. Within each mill, the looms present a unique view into the craftsmanship behind how Pendleton fabrics are created.”

The Washougal Mill is located at 2 Pendleton Way, Washougal, Washington 98671. Tours are offered at the Washougal Mill on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11a.m. and 1p.m. The Pendleton Mill is located at 1307 SE Court Place, Pendleton, Oregon 97801. Tours are offered at the Pendleton Mill Monday through Friday at 11a.m. and 3p.m.

Tours are around one hour long and are free of charge. Guests are also invited to shop at the Mill stores, which are located on the same grounds as the mills.

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: Pendleton Woolen Mills

Supreme Corp. Named 2022 Top 10 Wearable Technology Solutions Provider

HICKORY, N.C. — August 10, 2022 — Supreme Corp., a developer of smart textiles and conductive smart yarns, has been named a 2022 Top 10 Wearable Technology Solutions Provider by Applied Technology Review. Additionally, Supreme Corp. and its CEO Matt Kolmes are featured as the cover story of July’s 2022 issue of Applied Technology Review to discuss innovative progress made with the capabilities of its sensor-embedded smart yarn to measure vital signs through smart fabric.

“We are honored to be named among this year’s Top 10 Wearable Technology Solutions providers by Applied Technology Review,” Kolmes said. “Innovation and improving quality of life by harnessing the superior performance capabilities of our smart yarns, are at the heart of what we do at Supreme. We are grateful to have a team of dedicated employees and business partners that are creating never-before-seen solutions in wearable technology products for first responders, military, healthcare and sports markets.”

After years of research and development, Supreme has embedded SansEC (yarn) sensors in its high-tech VOLT smart fabrics to create the possibility of wearable products that can detect, among other things, if a person is becoming ill or exhibits distress using collected vital sign measurements such as blood pressure, temperature and moisture. Supreme is currently seeking partners to collaborate on an iOS and Android app with Bluetooth connectivity to the sensors and allow for greater market commercialization.

In partnerships with Propel, LLC, and VOSiq, VOLT smart yarns incorporates electronic devices that can be used to create bio sensing apparel with Personal Safety Device (“PSD”) capabilities for military and first responders. These include apparel with superior thermoregulating properties, VitalProbe Inc. medical grade body sensors, and CatM1 (GPS) body-worn tracking.

Further innovation has led to experimentation with VOLT smart yarns to create a form of smart bandage that utilizes nanoscience and Photomedicine to speed up the healing process of a wound or infection.

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: Supreme Corporation

True Classic Completes The Whole Outfit With New Chinos Collection

LOS ANGELES — August 12, 2022 — True Classic, a direct-to-consumer premium menswear brand, today announced the launch of its Chinos collection. Starting today, True Classic Chino pants and shorts can now be paired with your favorite True Classic tees and polos.

Following the success of its recent activewear launch and expansion into international markets, True Classic is adding the Chinos collection to its wardrobe. The Chinos collection is an extension of the brand’s casual and modern menswear line known for its soft and buttery fabrics, intentional fit, and versatility.

The new collection includes pants and shorts in five colorways, ranging in sizes from 30-42. The pants ($49.99) and the shorts ($32.99) are versatile and can easily be dressed up or dressed down, letting men easily transition their style from day to night. Thoughtful utility features include side entry pockets and a back button pocket.

“As we continue to expand, men’s comfort and confidence remain at the forefront of everything we do,” said Ryan Bartlett, True Classic’s co-founder and CEO. “We are constantly looking at men’s fashion and how we can make it better, while keeping it affordable.”

True Classic’s new Chino collection is now available for purchase at www.trueclassic.com.

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: True Classic

Workwear Retailer Duluth Trading Creates More Than 300 New Jobs in Bartow County, Ga.

ATLANTA, Ga. — August 11, 2022 — Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Duluth Trading Co., a casual wear, workwear, and accessory retailer for men and women, will build a new distribution and fulfillment facility in Adairsville. The new facility will create more than 300 new jobs and represents an investment of $53 million in Bartow County.

“We are excited to welcome an iconic brand in Duluth Trading Company to the Peach State,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We are confident this new facility will begin a prosperous relationship with the people of Bartow County as Duluth expands to meet the distribution needs of our modern economy. Georgia’s prime location and robust infrastructure allows companies to distribute products to 80 percent of the U.S. market in less than two days of drive time or two hours by plane.”

Duluth Trading is based in Wisconsin and serves as a problem-solution workwear destination. Known for its humorous marketing and focus on high-quality customer service, the company operates primarily online with 65 retail locations, including one in Kennesaw, Ga.

“We are thrilled to open Duluth Trading’s first-ever automated fulfillment center in Adairsville, Georgia,” said Sam Sato, president and CEO, Duluth Trading. “With an expanded fulfillment network and state-of-the-art robotics, this new facility positions us to better serve our customers nationwide all while adding hundreds of new jobs to the Bartow County community.”

Duluth Trading’s new facility will be located at the Ashley Capital building at 400 International Parkway in Adairsville. The facility is the retailer’s first-of-its-kind automated distribution and fulfillment center. It serves as a major investment towards the retailer’s digital growth and expansion, to better serve customers and its nation-wide footprint of brick-and-mortar stores. Duluth Trading will be hiring for a variety of positions, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal fulfillment center warehouse associates. Interested individuals should apply at www.duluthtrading.com/careers.

“We know that Duluth Trading had excellent options, which makes this announcement even more meaningful for Adairsville-Bartow County. There are many aspects of our region that make businesses successful, particularly our talented citizens and transportation corridors,” said Adairsville Mayor Kenneth Carson. “Adding to that, the caliber of Duluth’s innovations in technology and strategy, along with their excellent reputation, surely will quicken their success. We look forward to a great partnership.”

“This announcement is great news for metro Atlanta and we welcome Duluth Trading Company’s investment in Bartow County,” said Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick. “Metro Atlanta’s expertise in logistics coupled with an infrastructure designed to reach major population centers creates undoubted access for Duluth Trading Company to grow. Additionally, Atlanta’s strength as a technology hub will be a great asset to Duluth Trading Company as they implement the latest supply chain technology solutions.”

Project Manager Mellissa Takeuchi represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this project in partnership with the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power, and Georgia Quick Start.

“Duluth Trading is a unique, recognizable national brand, and we are excited they have chosen Georgia for their first distribution center of its kind for the company,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s logistics industry created the third most jobs last fiscal year. Our logistics advantage is further supplemented by the Georgia Center of Innovation, which works to foster growth in key industries using research-driven strategies and a wide network of public and private partners. Congratulations to our partners in Bartow County and metro Atlanta for bringing new jobs and opportunities to their communities.”

Georgia Quick Start, provided through the Technical College System of Georgia, is the top-ranked workforce training program in the nation. The program helps assess workers, train new employees on unique processes on projects, and develop customized job-specific training using the most current techniques and media.

Posted: August 12, 2022

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor

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