Hibbett Sports Announces New Merchandising Leadership Team

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — November 12, 2020 — Hibbett Sports a Birmingham, Ala.-based footwear and athleisure retailer with nearly 1,100 Hibbett Sports and City Gear stores nationwide, today announced a new structural alignment for its Merchandising Leadership Team. The new alignment will allow for stronger focus on consumers by elevating a toe-to-head connectivity strategy across product categories including: Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s. The new Hibbett | City Gear structure will be focused “toe-to-head” and organized by gender.

“Our priority remains delivering the very best products and the most customized ways to shop to our customers,” said Jared Briskin, senior vice president and chief merchant, Hibbett | City Gear. “I could not be more excited about the new structure of my team and how we will ‘wow’ customers with an even more targeted and tailored shopping experience.”

As a part of the new alignment, Hibbett has also announced the hiring of industry veteran, Stephani Smith as vice president/GMM, Hibbett. Smith brings 27 years of industry experience with Nike, spanning across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Her experience includes Sales and Merchandising, as well as, general management at both Nike and Converse. In her new role, Stephani will be focused on furthering the development of the holistic women’s business by sharply focusing on the female consumer at Hibbett.

“We could not be more thrilled to have someone with such tremendous experience join our team,” Jared Briskin said. “Stephani’s background and leadership will complement the strength and experience of our current team.”

Merchandising Leadership Team Structure Alignment

  • Jared Briskin, SVP & Chief Merchant, Hibbett | City Gear
  • Alicia Kahn, VP of Planning, Hibbett | City Gear
  • Varetta Banks, VP/GMM Men’s, Hibbett
  • Lauren Portera, VP/GMM Kid’s & Team Sports, Hibbett
  • Stephani Smith, VP/GMM Women’s, Hibbett
  • Brooke Frankel, VP/GMM, City Gear

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc.

Evolution St. Louis Co-Founder Speaks At Fashion Product Development, Supply Chain Event

ST.LOUIS, Mo. — November 12, 2020 — Evolution St. Louis co-founder John Elmuccio recently spoke at Product Innovation Apparel NYC (PI Apparel) — an event bringing together industry professionals to discuss the challenges and technologies disrupting the fashion, apparel and footwear industries.

At the November 9 event, Elmuccio presented “Made in USA: Building The Supply Chain of the Future to Meet the Needs of the Changing Fashion Industry” to fashion industry professionals interested in learning more about the changing supply chain, sustainability and innovation, disruptive technology and more.

“Even before COVID-19, many brands and retailers were beginning to reimagine their supply chains to respond to the dynamic shift in consumer buying behavior and the traction of direct-to-consumer models,” Elmuccio said. “The global pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in the global supply chain and accelerated that conversation. By embracing technology in manufacturing, we can build industry sectors that support ‘Made in America’ as a meaningful business.”

Elmuccio recommends shortening the supply chain by locating production in the United States to enable brands and retailers to be more responsive to consumer demand.

“We need to reimagine the supply chain and take advantage of new technologies that create efficiencies, quality and speed at a viable cost,” Elmuccio said. “Domestic production allows for greater control of intellectual property and the ability to better manage inventory while requiring less travel.”

Elmuccio shared how he and his business partner, Jon Lewis, have created an industry sector for advanced knitting and manufacturing with the launch of Evolution St. Louis, their high-tech knitting facility in St. Louis, Missouri.

“To allow American brands and retailers to keep pace with emerging trends, we need to embrace technology,” Elmuccio said. “Traditional cut-and-sew production is costly because it’s one person to each sewing machine. Utilizing flatbed knitting technology, we can have a single technician control 10 machines at Evolution St. Louis.”

Other speakers at PI Apparel included leaders from Carhartt, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, L.L.Bean, London College of Fashion, Stanford University, Target, ThirdLove, Under Armour and Walmart.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Evolution St. Louis

All-New Styleisure™ Brand At JCPenney Promotes Equal Parts Style And Comfort As Company Continues To Innovate Ahead Of The Holiday Season

PLANO, Texas — November 12, 2020 — JCPenney today announced an additional installment of its New and Wow! brands with the introduction of Stylus™ apparel brand. This brand is part of an all-new styleisure™ apparel line which is designed to comfortably elevate your everyday. Only at JCPenney, the Stylus brand is the leader in this new fashion mindset that enables customers to dress effortlessly with both comfort and style. Not to be confused with athleisure, the Stylus brand provides the style and comfort customers are craving in their multifaceted daily lives, creating a solution that reaches beyond the activewear category.

The Stylus brand’s all-day comfort plus style versatility reflects how JCPenney customers live, whether working from home or in the office, shopping, preparing for the holiday season, or virtually getting together with friends and family. The sophisticated combination of fabric and design, made into a variety of pieces — including cardigans, easy pants, jumpsuits and tees — can be mixed and matched to seamlessly transition for whatever the day or night may bring. Importantly, the Stylus brand doesn’t ask shoppers to sacrifice fashion for comfort, or vice versa, as ultra-soft fabrics offer unrestricted movement and a relaxed fit. Modern color palettes are paired together based on thoughtfully designed details — including tapered legs, curved hems, and twist-front tops. The Stylus brand allows customers to be comfortable and look and feel put together to elevate their every day.

“We are excited to launch the Stylus brand right now and in time for the 2020 holiday season for our customers — including our All-In Shopping Enthusiast — who are looking for comfortable yet stylish pieces that fit all aspects of their lives,” said Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. “We began developing the concept of our styleisure line, which is exclusive to JCPenney, nearly a year ago to fill this unmet need as customers dress for their day. The Stylus collection is a curated array of neutrals that make it easy to layer and swap pieces for a virtually endless combination of looks, representing true modern comfort and style.”

“Everything we do is with our customers at the forefront — we want our customers to feel and know they’re represented,” Wlazlo continued. “Our inclusive sizing is a philosophy, not an afterthought. Size should never be a deterrent to style or the ability to feel empowered, confident, and comfortable.”

The Stylus brand size assortment ranges from XS to 3X, with consistent pricing from $26 to $89 across all sizes. The introduction of the Stylus brand follows the repositioning and launch of several exclusive JCPenney brands in 2020, including a.n.a a new approach® and Linden Street™, which are offered alongside a wide array of national brands including Nike®, adidas®, Champion®, Levi’s®, Puma®, Clarks®, Cuisinart®, Sharper Image®, Disney®, Lego®, Mattel® and more.

As JCPenney continues implementing its Plan for Renewal transformation strategy, the Stylus brand is a true testament to the Company’s continuous innovative commitment to offer compelling merchandise for today’s shoppers. The brand is now available in 363 stores nationwide and on the JCPenney app and flagship store, jcp.com, offering inclusive sizing and can’t-miss value.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: J. C. Penney Co. Inc.

Taiwan’s Functional Textiles Thrive On Innovation To Define New Epidemic Prevention Lifestyles

TAIPEI, Taiwan — November 11, 2020 — The world continues to be under the threat of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has brought fundamental changes to our daily lives.

Despite the decline in apparel buying in the first half of this year due to confinements, buyers have looked forward to soaring demand for outdoor and leisure lifestyle products in the post-epidemic era. This new trend has again tested the innovative capabilities of Taiwan’s textile industry, according to the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF).

In order to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Textile Export Promotion Project (TEPP) has integrated software and hardware for better video conferencing while providing tailor-made solutions that have created a new benchmark for business matchmaking.

When it comes to epidemic prevention textiles, the Taiwan Textile Federation has recommended four manufacturers, including Asiatic Fiber Co. which is known for developing special fibers and high-performance yarns. This year, the company is promoting products from the AFC Functional Protection Series and iQmax Functional Intelligence Series.

The AFC Functional Protection Series replaces disposable products with reusable fabrics that can be used in operation rooms and for personal protective equipment. Products from the iQmax Functional Intelligence Series also feature functional textiles — the first fabric that can be used with a mobile device to increase an apparel’s function (https://www.asiatic.com.tw).

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Singtex® Industrial and its subsidiary, Magictex, have also joined the national epidemic prevention textile team. Singtex’s functional fabric can be used for personal protective equipment. Thanks to its waterproof and breathable technology, these protective products can maintain their protective performance even after 30 washes (http://www.Singtex.com/en-global/home; http://www.scafefabrics.com/en-global).

Grandetex Development Co. Ltd. has further collaborated with yarn mills to develop the RICH-y® multi-functional yarn, which combines masterbatch and RICH-y elements to effectively reduce energy consumption and waste during dyeing and finishing. such fabric has long-lasting anti-bacterial and deodorizing properties, as well as UV and environmental protection capabilities, making RICH-y the most effective mask available on the market.

RICH-y-made masks can be provided to buyers to help them better understand the effectiveness of RICH-y through “Experiential Marketing” of proper epidemic prevention (http://www.grandetex.com.tw).

Kuen Long Textile Co. Ltd. is a professional textile fabric manufacturer with 44 years of experience in the industry. the company has joined hands with Grandetex Development to promote home furnishing fabrics, urban fashion leisure fabrics, and outdoor sports fabrics boasting eco-friendly functional antibacterial materials. Thanks to its one-stop-shop production model, Kuen Long Textile offers a variety of product combinations featuring RICH-y and more (http://www.kuenlong.com.tw).

Sustainable Textiles Online New Product Launch – Taiwan Textile Federation

Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) will be broadcasting a two-day online new product launch event on November 11 and 12 @ 9AM CET via TTF YouTube and Facebook platform. This is a great opportunity to learn the latest development on sustainable textiles from Taiwan!

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)

Greg Hall Joins HanesBrands As Chief Consumer Officer

Greg Hall

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — November 12, 2020 — HanesBrands, a global marketer of branded everyday basic apparel, today announced that Greg Hall will join the company as chief consumer officer, effective Nov. 16, 2020.

“Our top priority is putting the consumer at the center of everything we do,” said Steve Bratspies, CEO, HanesBrands. “Greg is an outstanding merchandising and marketing leader with a track record of driving growth across industries. He will be responsible for how we engage with our consumers, from our brands to our retail stores to e-commerce, and will play a crucial role in building HanesBrands into a growth-oriented, consumer-centric organization.”

Hall will lead U.S. marketing and brands, e-commerce and retail. He will also be responsible for building the company’s global brands, particularly Champion and Hanes.

Most recently, Hall was senior vice president, private brands, at Walmart, where he delivered double-digit growth on the company’s private brand grocery business. During his 14 years at Walmart, Greg held a number of senior marketing and merchandising leadership roles, including chief marketing officer of Walmart.com and head of Walmart’s U.S. manufacturing initiative.

Prior to Walmart, Hall held leadership positions at Frito-Lay, where he developed and led major marketing programs for some of the company’s iconic brands.

Hall holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University and a master’s degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: HanesBrands

Careismatic Brands Partners With Mercy Ships To Outfit Volunteer Healthcare Professionals In Cherokee Uniforms

CHATSWORTH, Calif. — November 12, 2020 — Medical apparel company Careismatic Brands today announced a partnership with Mercy Ships, a non-profit focused on bringing free urgent medical care to underserved countries by creating floating, state-of-the-art hospitals and training centers to send to the poorest of countries. More than 600 volunteer healthcare professionals will work on board the Global Mercy™, the non-profit’s newest and largest hospital ship, currently under construction. Careismatic Brands will donate Cherokee Uniforms to outfit all the healthcare volunteers when the vessel sets sail to Africa in 2021.

“As COVID-19 threatens the stability of already fragile healthcare systems globally, the need to provide basic life-saving care is greater than ever,” said Rosa Whitaker, president of Mercy Ships. “The Global Mercy could not set sail without the generosity of partners like Careismatic Brands. Over this vessel’s 50 year expected lifespan, we estimate that more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard the ship through surgery alone. Cherokee is a leader in antimicrobial textiles with their Certainty Technology, and we are beyond grateful to receive the scrubs for our volunteers,” added Whitaker.

“As part of our responsibility to be a good corporate citizen and our ongoing commitment to champion the people behind the scrubs, Careismatic Brands is proud to partner with Mercy Ships and support their efforts to provide world-class surgical and medical care to those most in need,” said Mike Singer, CEO of Careismatic Brands.

Careismatic will also leverage Scrubs Magazine to create awareness for Mercy Ships in the healthcare community, recruit volunteer healthcare professionals through ongoing editorial and highlight the volunteers’ personal stories.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Careismatic Brands Inc. (formerly Strategic Partners Inc.)

Culp Shows Support For Defenders Of The American Dream And Those Pursuing It

HIGH POINT, N.C. — November 12, 2020 — To celebrate Veterans Day and honor its associates who are military veterans, Culp Inc. showed appreciation through its CULPVets program. As part of Culp’s Veterans Day celebration, large banners are displayed at the company’s locations. Additionally, associates who have served in the U.S. military are honored by being featured on an exclusive, all-day TV loop playing throughout the company’s U.S. facilities. Iv Culp, president and CEO, expressed his gratitude for these associates, noting “We are truly honored to have these amazing individuals as part of our Culp family, and we are profoundly grateful for their service to our country and our business.”

While acknowledging Culp associates who have defended the American Dream, the company also supports its associates who are pursuing it. Culp’s cut and sew facility, located in High Point, N.C., has associates from all over the world. Many of those associates have come to America for new opportunities for themselves and their families. One of the ways Culp supports these associates in their pursuit of a new future is by offering on-site ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. After completing 30 weeks of coursework, this year’s graduating class includes speakers of Nepali, Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Montagnard, and Arabic. Jeff Veach, vice president and manager of Culp’s global mattress cut and sew business stated, “The impact of this class on our associates’ life skills and their opportunities for career advancement is priceless. At Culp, we strive to empower and serve our families and our communities in all that we do.”

Teresa Huffman, senior vice-president of human resources, shares this sentiment: “I recently gave a 5 year service award to an associate who had lived for many years in a refugee camp with his wife, waiting for their opportunity to come to the United States. Now, they have a secure place to work while pursuing their bright future. Culp is honored to be a part of their story.”

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Culp, Inc.

Precision Textiles Touts Portfolio Of Glass-Free, FR Solutions For Mattresses

TOTOWA, N.J. — November 12, 2020 — Precision Textiles — a supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens and laminations for the bedding, automotive, health care and home furnishings markets — has elevated its position in the industry as a supplier of glass-free, FR-solutions for mattresses. As apprehension about the health and safety implications of fiberglass FR socks — that can expel tiny shards of glass throughout homes — continues, the company’s comprehensive portfolio of nonwoven textiles offers a safer, cleaner alternative.

The three-prong family of products include EcoFlex, a glass-free, chemical-free barrier which can easily be laminated to the cover fabric and eliminate the cumbersome task of applying an FR sock, thereby allowing the consumer to feel the foam in its natural state without compression, EcoFlex EZ-Fit Cap, a glass-free FR solution that “fits” over the foam core of a mattress like a fitted sheet and IQ FIT Natural, a glass-free FR sock solution with enhanced breathability and moisture wicking properties.

“Fiberglass FR socks can wreak havoc in homes, releasing thousands of potentially dangerous shards of glass that can cause skin, eye, nose and throat irritation,” said Keith Martin, vice president of Precision Textiles. “As part of our ongoing effort to deliver a safer sleep experience for consumers and help streamline the bedding manufacturing process, we are proud to offer our industry-leading line of glass-free products that not only provide a safer solution, but also present a diverse number of additional benefits including eco-friendly and natural material options that continue to gain in popularity among consumers.”

Launched in early 2020, EcoFlex, OekoTek Standard 100-certified, is made with inherent FR rayon. The material offers four-way stretch and recovery that resists breakdown when tested on rollators or rolled for packing. Designed to be laminated to the underside of mattress ticking, EcoFlex eliminates the need to apply FR socks in the manufacturing process, supporting the  growing boxed bed trend.

Expanding the EcoFlex line, EZ-Fit Cap is made of a stretch material that fits securely around the mattress foam core. Easily slipped over the top of the core, it adds value to mattress production efficiency, making it easier for employees to work with and enabling manufacturers to have greater flexibility in the type of ticking they use.

Precision Textiles’ most recent addition to its broad line of glass-free, FR solutions — IQ FIT Natural — is not only 100 percent glass-free, but is made with sustainable, renewable cotton that delivers breathability and superb moisture wicking. Adding an all-natural sleep experience to its product line, the newest sock is also aramid and antimony free and is Prop. 65 and AB2998 compliant.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Precision Textiles

Deckers Division Sanuk Continues To Innovate And Lighten Footprint On Planet With Launch Of Second Sustainasole™ Collection

GOLETA, Calif. — November 12, 2020 — Sanuk, a division of Deckers Brands, today announced the second iteration of its most eco-minded innovation, the SustainaSole collection. Launched on the heels of the brand’s July 2020 debut of the SustainaSole line, the second collection is comprised of 55-percent total recycled material by weight. This launch serves as a significant milestone for Sanuk’s continued pioneering and innovation in creating more sustainable footwear. The new SustainaSole styles are vegan and available in the women’s slip-on Donna style, as well as the men’s slip-on Skuner style — a new addition to this collection. Both shoes retail for $65.

Total Recycled Content

Continuing on their mission to protect happy places, Sanuk again partnered with BLUMAKA for the launch of SustainaSole to divert foam waste and turn it into quality, comfortable and sustainable shoes, addressing the footwear industry’s heavy, waste-generating reliance on virgin foams to provide a soft cushiony feeling. Instead of sending foam scrap to the landfill during the manufacturing process, Sanuk and BLUMAKA were able to collect the scrap, grind it into smaller pieces and use it to create a cushy, durable filler for shoe soles. Beyond the foam content, the textile uppers are made with 100-percent recycled GRS Certified Fibers, including recycled PET fibers, recycled cotton fibers and recycled polyester fibers.

Undyed Uppers

New to this SustainaSole collection, these styles feature undyed uppers, an intentional decision to save both water and energy. The undyed upper saved more than 200,000 total gallons of water — 115 gallons per men’s Skuner model and 76 gallons per women’s Donna model. By skipping the dyeing process on the upper, Sanuk was also able to reduce greenhouse gas impact by nearly three pounds per men’s Skuner model and nearly two pounds per women’s Donna model.

Machine Washable

Similar to the brand’s best-selling silhouettes, both of these new styles are machine washable, so consumers can extend the life of their eco-minded footwear, acknowledging that sustainability does not just come from sustainable materials, but also a product that is built to last and work for years to come. With an emphasis on durability and elevated materials, Sanuk is continuously dedicated to designing long-lasting and comfortable footwear that positively contributes to the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

“Sanuk is committed to seeking new materials and processes to create more sustainable products,” said Erik Ecklund, general manager at Sanuk. “These shoes mark a big step forward in our journey — and in the footwear industry — toward sustainable innovation.”

“While this SustainaSole collection is our most eco-minded endeavor to date, this line also delivers a heavy dose of comfort and versatility,” said Seth Pulford, Director of Marketing at Sanuk. “We’re proud to give stylish new life to things that would otherwise be discarded. Wearing rubbish never looked or felt so good.”

Here is the full list of SustainaSole materials and “shoe-trition” facts:

  • Overall: 55-percent recycled content by eeight;
  • Upper: 100-percent recycled GRS Certified Fibers (65-percent recycled cotton/35-percent recycled PET);
  • Upper Lining: 100-percent recycled polyester (GRS Certified Fiber);
  • Woven Label: 100-percent recycled polyester (GRS Certified Fiber);
  • Sockliner Lining: 100-percent recycled polyester (GRS Certified Fiber);
  • Sockliner: 85-percent recycled PU Foam and 15-percent virgin material;
  • Bottom Unit: Features BLUMAKA’s patented technology, consisting of 35-percent recycled foam content by weight and 75-percent by volume; and
  • Non-recycled materials include: stitching, gore, reinforcements, PU binding agent and TPU.

In addition to the launch of the new SustainaSole styles, Sanuk is dedicated to lightening their environmental footprint with their use of sustainable hemp, sustainable leather and other recycled materials, in alignment with Deckers Brands’ commitment to creating a better tomorrow. Recently ranked on Investor’s Business Daily’s Best ESG Companies list, Deckers Brands is continually integrating sustainable business practices and socially conscious operations across all brands. A thorough review of Deckers’ corporate social responsibility initiatives can be found at www.deckers.com/responsibility.

Posted November 12, 2020

Source: Sanuk

Maskco Technologies Announces A Strategic Manufacturing Partnership And Investment With Gredale: Alliance Will Create The Largest Manufacturer Of N95s In The United States

MIAMI— November 11, 2020 — Maskco Technologies Inc., manufacturer of the MTech-95 Particulate Respirator, today announced a strategic manufacturing partnership and investment with Gredale LLC, a Los Angeles-based manufacturer and distributor of personal protection equipment and textiles used to manufacture personal protection equipment. Under the terms of the agreement, upon approval from NIOSH, the companies will establish a production facility in Los Angeles, producing approximately 160 million N95 protective face masks per month.

In addition to overseeing the production in Los Angeles, Gredale will provide investment and credit facilities totaling $100 million for the purchase of raw materials, machinery and working capital. Greg Lorber, CEO of Gredale LLC will also be appointed to the Maskco Technologies board of directors.

Previously, in June of 2020, Maskco Technologies announced that it had entered into a distribution agreement with Gredale to distribute the MTech N95 Respirator through various channels including U.S. state and government agencies. To date, Gredale has committed to distributing a minimum of 900 million MTech N95s over the next 24 months pending approval by NIOSH.

Scott H. Weissman, CEO of Maskco Technologies said: “I am extremely pleased to turn a majority of our production capacity over to Gredale, whose management has over 30 years of experience manufacturing and sourcing textiles as well as the highest quality personal protection equipment on the market today. Their extensive capabilities make them the perfect investor and partner for Maskco Technologies.”

The downtown Los Angeles facility which formally housed a Van Heusen textile factory is expected to open in March of 2021. The facility will be one of three Maskco Technologies factories currently being established in the United States. The company plans to begin producing the MTech N95 in Jacksonville, Texas, pending approval from NIOSH over the next sixty days, and expects to open a facility on Vashon Island, Washington, at a former K2 ski factory in August 2021. The company expects to be producing over 300 million N95s per month within the next 12 months utilizing equipment provided exclusively by SharperTek, a Pontiac, Michigan, based manufacturer of automated ultrasonic systems and machinery.

Greg Lorber, CEO of Gredale, said: “Having spent 20 years of my life operating the largest domestic textile manufacturing facility west of the Mississippi, I take great pride in assisting Maskco to develop and produce the MTech N95 here in downtown Los Angeles. Our team at Gredale has the technical experience with non-woven melt blown materials to make sure that our customers and health care professional’s needs are met with a precise attention to performance and detail.”

Posted November 11, 2020

Source: Maskco Technologies

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