Liz Claiborne Inc. today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with Badanco Enterprises Incorporated to design and manufacture luggage under the Liz Claiborne and Claiborne brand names. The Liz Claiborne line is targeted towards professional and active women, offering updated classic silhouettes that can bridge seasons. The collection
will include luggage, coordinated totes and feminine business cases. The Claiborne products will be offered in modern styles with durable fabrics, showcasing pieces for business and casual travelers.
Both collections will be introduced to the trade in Fall of 2004 and
available at luggage specialty and department stores in early 2005.
Commenting on the announcement, Barbara J. Friedman, president of
Licensing for Liz Claiborne Inc., said, "Licensing our brands is a key aspect
of our growth strategy, enabling us to extend both Liz Claiborne and
Claiborne's presence in the market. The addition of luggage to the product
mixes builds upon the success of our accessories lines and furthers our goal
of allowing our consumers to make a complete lifestyle statement. We are
pleased to be teaming with Badanco, one of America's foremost luggage
companies, to create the collections."
Mounir Badan, chief executive officer of Badanco, commented, "Badanco is
excited to enter into this alliance with one of the industry's premiere
corporations. The Liz Claiborne and Claiborne brands will be an important
addition to our portfolio and an integral part of our marketing strategy.
These powerful brands will fill a niche with the group of consumers looking
for luggage of distinction at reasonable prices."
Badanco Enterprises Incorporated designs and markets luggage, business
cases and travel accessories under several well-know brand names as well as
it's own labels including Travel Gear, Ventura, Pegasus and Frequent Traveler.
Founded in 1992, Badanco has distribution in all channels including department
stores, mid-tier merchants, mass merchants, and eCommerce.
Liz Claiborne Inc. designs and markets an extensive range of fashion
apparel and accessories for women, men, teens, children and infants. The
Company also markets fragrances for women and men. The more than 36 brands in
the Liz Claiborne Inc. portfolio are available at over 30,000 points of sale
worldwide.
NEW YORK, May 17