Speer to Speak at Sourcing Show
Apparel senior editor Jordan Speer will moderate a panel discussion and speak at an excellence dinner at the Guatemala Apparel Sourcing Show.
Apparel's senior editor Jordan Speer will be the speaker of honor at the awards ceremony of the Guatemala Apparel Sourcing Show, to be held May 5-7 in Guatemala City. Speer will speak on the topic of excellence. Additionally, Speer will moderate a two-hour panel session focusing on speed to market at the event. Among the panelists are Kirkor Balci, vice president and corporate sourcing group manufacturing director, Liz Claiborne Inc.; Carlos Arias, vice president, Koramsa; Sergio Siman, manager, full-package programs, St. Jack's; and Mike Todaro, executive director, American Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN). The show will focus on full-package production, flexibility and integrating the supply chain, and will offer an exhibition, matchmaking services and a full slate of educational seminars.
The Gymboree Corp. announced the launch of JanevilleT, a retail test concept targeting women in their mid-30s. Janeville is the second brand created and launched by Gymboree since the introduction of Janie and Jack in September 2002. The Janeville team is led by Kathy Lee, vice president and general merchandise manager, and Colleen Dowd Saglimbeni, director of design. The first three Janeville stores will open at Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair in Santa Clara, CA; Bellevue Square in Bellevue, WA; and on Burlingame Avenue in Burlingame, CA. Approximately 10 stores will open by year-end.
JNCO, the street-savvy denim brand, announced a new licensing agreement with M. Hidary for boys' sportswear, outerwear, activewear and swimwear. The collection debuted for the fall/back-to-school season at MAGIC in February. Retail distribution will follow the same mid-tier category that has been established by JNCO and include JCPenney, Kohl's, Mervyn's and Sears. General styling will reflect JNCO's street-style fashion, with a variety of logo treatments, embroidery and intricate screens. There will be sport-inspired jerseys, racing looks and cut-and-sew pieces, such as short-sleeve T-shirts over long-sleeve thermals. Wholesale prices will range from $11.50 for tops to $16.50 for select items.
The National Retail Federation, in partnership with JCPenney Co. and the Center for Retailing Studies, Texas A&M University, has honored Dr. Brenda Sternquist, professor of merchandising management at Michigan State University, as Retail Educator of the Year. Dr. Sternquist has taught a variety of courses including "International Retailing," "Retailing in China" and "International Buying and Product Development" and has developed coursework that is replicated in colleges across the United States. She was selected as recipient of the award by a panel of academics and retail CEOs.
Optimer Performance Fibers has announced a licensing agreement with Portuguese yarn spinner Tearfil S.A. for its dri-release patented moisture-transport technology. Tearfil's Siro high-twist equipment produces high-luster, extra-soft ringspun yarns with minimal pilling, Optimer reports. Tearfil is developing new dri-release fiber blends. These new premium yarns from Tearfil will incorporate other natural-origin fibers such as Lyocell, Modal, Supima cotton and linen. Optimer also announced an agreement with Topkapi Iplik AS, an Istanbul-based yarn manufacturer. Under this agreement Tearfil and Topkapi will make dri-release with FreshGuard odor neutralizer more readily available to European markets.
Custom motorcycle builder Ron Simms (above) will launch a clothing line inspired by the machines that fuel the biker lifestyle. Partnering with industry veteran Bill McFarlane (The North Face, Gap and Head), Simms notes the line is in full production and will be available this summer.
Shore To Shore (STS) LACAR, located in Guatemala, has been awarded Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) certification. The company also announced the completion and receipt of its ISO 9001:2000 registration for its Turkey production facility located in Istanbul. Finally, STS has opened a new sales office and production facility in Jakarta, Indonesia. The production facility has paper printing, fabric printing, sticker, rubber patch, leather patch and woven label capabilities.
TUKATECH has opened a 4,000-square-foot TUKAcenter in Gurgaon, India, near New Delhi. This second flagship TUKAcenter is equipped with multiple CAD systems for full service and self-service options. Services include training, pattern making, grading, marker making, textile/ fabric designing and pattern/marker plotting.