Impressions - January 2017 - 12

opening
thoughts

OVERHEARD

LAT Apparel
Launches Curvy
Collection

LAT APPAREL, Ball Ground, Georgia, recently introduced its new
Curvy Collection, now available from S&S Activewear.
LAT Apparel is the first and only manufacturer to offer specifically
tailored curvy apparel to the blank imprintables industry, according to
the company. Designed to highlight and flatter curves, the collection
consists of specially engineered fabric with new Comfort Stretch.
Styles feature longer lengths, custom-fit necklines and A-line cuts
to enhance the female silhouette. Shirts are available in scoop- and
V-neck, tank, French terry pullover and baseball styles.
"Over 67% of women in America are size 14 and above, which
means that the majority of the female population is unable to buy
T-shirts tailored for their silhouettes," says Gina Watson, president
and CEO of LAT Apparel. "Not only does our new collection answer
this need, but [it also] provides an exciting opportunity for apparel
decorators and online retailers to expand their business and cater to
this overlooked market segment."
For more information, visit latapparel.com. - L.V.

LAT Apparel's Curvy
5.5-ounce combed, ringspun cotton premium jersey
tee is specifically
designed to fit ladies
sizes 14-28.

GILDAN PROPOSES
AMERICAN APPAREL ACQUISITION
GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC., Montreal, has entered into an asset-purchase agreement to acquire the
intellectual-property rights related to the American Apparel brand for about $66 million, according
to multiple reports. ¶ While it will forgo purchasing American Apparel retail stores, Gildan will
separately purchase American Apparel inventory to ensure a seamless supply of goods in the printwear
channel while integrating the brand into its business. Gildan also will evaluate potential wholesale
opportunities for leveraging the American Apparel brand within its branded apparel business. ¶ The
acquisition reportedly still is in flux. According to Forbes, Gildan sent a letter to employees stating
that American Apparel's court filing will allow an auction process where other potential buyers could
propose better deals and submit competing offers. However, Gildan expressed confidence that its deal
was best. ¶ "We see the brand fitting very well into our current portfolio of brands in the printwear
channel," says Garry Bell, vice president, corporate marketing and communications, Gildan. "Our global
reach, with printwear markets serviced in over 50 countries, also represents a good opportunity to
take the American Apparel brand international, leveraging the distribution we already have built."
¶ A key component of the deal, according to the Forbes report, is keeping manufacturing
primarily in Los Angeles. Gildan affirmed that commitment in the letter to employees, citing
its recent acquisition of Alstyle Apparel, which also is based in southern California.
¶ Consummation of the deal is subject to Gildan being selected as the successful bidder in any
such auction, as well as Bankruptcy Court approval. As of press time, the dates for the closing of
potential competitive bids and the possible auction are Jan. 7 and 9, respectively, Bell says. ¶ For
more information, visit gildan.com. - J.L.
P.12

I M P R E S S I O N S M A G . C O M JANUARY 2017

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http://www.latapparel.com http://www.gildan.com http://www.gildan.com http://www.IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM

Impressions - January 2017

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