Kenneth Cole Productions And Haggar Clothing Co. Announce Enhanced Strategic Partnership

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2016 /CNW/ -- Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. and Haggar Clothing Co. today announced that they are renewing their licensing agreement in the U.S. for men's classification bottoms which has been in place since 2003. Additionally, Kenneth Cole has signed a new expanded agreement with Haggar Canada Co. to manufacture, market and distribute men's and women's apparel and distribute men's and women's footwear effective October 1, 2016.  Haggar Canada Co. will also manufacture, market and distribute men's tailored clothing effective January 1, 2017.

Under the terms of the new license, Haggar Canada Co. will manufacture, market and distribute under the following labels: Kenneth Cole Black Label, Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole and Unlisted, a Kenneth Cole Production. The agreement also includes the launch of Kenneth Cole free-standing stores across major markets in Canada planned for 2017.

Kenneth Cole Productions Chief Executive Officer Marc Schneider said, "We look forward to building upon our strong relationship with Haggar. Based on the excellent performance of our men's classification business in the United States to date, we are pleased to extend our U.S. agreement through 2021 and expand our relationship in the Canadian market. This partnership supports our strategic global initiatives and we are confident that Haggar Canada will continue to contribute to our growth in this important market."

Michael Stitt, CEO of Haggar Clothing Co., said, "Kenneth Cole Productions is a terrific partner whose labels are both complementary and strategic for Haggar. The extension of the U.S. agreement through 2021 allows us to invest in the product development and marketing necessary to continue the positive trajectory of this business. The new strategic partnership in Canada enables us to utilize our extensive Canadian infrastructure to drive significant incremental growth for both companies."

"The strength of the iconic Kenneth Cole brand and a professional and dedicated Haggar Canada team will create a great opportunity for the Canadian retailers and consumers," added Brian Main, President of Haggar Canada Co.     

This agreement follows the expiration of the term of the men's and women's apparel license held by The Jaytex Group since 2002 and the men's tailored clothing license held by Empire Clothing since 2004.

Marc Schneider concluded, "We are grateful to Jaytex and Empire for their partnership over the years. We intend to work with them to ensure a smooth transition with our wholesale partners and provide a seamless experience for our customers."

About Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

Kenneth Cole is an American designer, social activist, and visionary who believes business and philanthropy are interdependent. His global company, Kenneth Cole Productions, creates modern, functional, clothing, shoes, and accessories for inspirational urban lifestyles under the brand names Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Unlisted, as well as footwear under the name Gentle Souls. The company has also granted a wide variety of third party licenses for the production of men's and women's apparel, fragrances, watches, jewelry, eyewear, and several other accessory categories, including children's footwear. The company's products are distributed through department stores, better specialty stores, company-owned retail stores and its e-commerce website.Over 30 years ago, Kenneth Cole leveraged his passion and unique brand platform to make a meaningful impact on people's wardrobes, as well as communities in need. He did what others didn't and said what others wouldn't. Today, The Kenneth Cole Foundation remains committed to helping communities in need by supporting Collective Health, Civil Liberties, and Artistic Activism.

About Haggar Clothing Co.

Since its humble beginnings in a one-room office in Dallas, Texas in 1926, Haggar Clothing Co. has grown from a manufacturer of men's pants into one of the most recognized and original apparel brands in the market. Haggar coined the term "slacks" in 1938 and continued to be at the forefront of technical and performance fabric innovations with the introduction of pre-cuffed pants, wash and wear pants, expandable waist pants, forever-prest pants, and wrinkle-free cotton casual pants. Haggar was the first apparel company to advertise in national magazines and on TV, adopt EDI and UPC technologies, ship pants pre hung, and offer jackets and pants as suit separates. Haggar is the "Official Clothing Partner of the Hockey Hall of Fame" and the "Official Provider of the Gold Jacket to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrines since 1978." Haggar Clothing Co. today commands the #1 market position in men's dress pants in the United States, as well as the #2 share in men's casual pants. Haggar Clothing Co. is celebrating its' 90^th anniversary this year as a leader and innovator in the apparel industry. 

About Haggar Canada Co.

When Haggar Canada opened its doors in 1999, it extended the Haggar brand to women's wear, providing quality clothing that is fashionable and styled with built-in comfort features for her. From product design to production, sales, distribution and marketing the entrepreneurial team in Canada grew the Haggar business to include men's and women's apparel across multiple categories (casual, suiting, outerwear, sleepwear, underwear and men's suiting accessories). Available across multi-channels and free standing Haggar stores, the company currently ranks in the top 3 market positions in many of the categories in which it competes (men's dress pants, men's casual pants, suit separates). 

SOURCE Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

Samantha Cohen, Vice President of Public Relations and Advertising, Kenneth Cole Productions, Direct line: [phone], [email protected]; Paul M. Okimoto, Senior Vice President Marketing, Haggar Clothing Co., Direct line: [phone], [email protected]; Brian Main, President, Haggar Canada Co., Direct line: [phone], [email protected], http://www.kennethcole.com