Perry Ellis brings Manhattan to China

Perry Ellis International, a designer, distributor and licensor of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, accessories and fragrances, has entered into a joint venture agreement with China Outfitters to develop the Manhattan brand in China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Manhattan, a brand which dates back 150 years to the original Manhattan Shirt Company, continues to stand for quality and fashionable men’s shirts and sportswear.

China Outfitters, a menswear-focused apparel design, manufacturing, marketing and sales company in China, expects to begin distribution of Manhattan men’s product for fall/winter 2012 throughout China. The company will initially focus its store opening efforts within Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. At least one store opening is expected by December. The brand currently has a presence in Vietnam and Taiwan through existing license agreements.

“This agreement and expansion into Greater China marks a major milestone for Perry Ellis International and we could not have picked a stronger partner than China Outfitters to develop the Manhattan brand. They have a demonstrated ability to build brands and an extremely strong financial position,” said George Feldenkreis, chairman and CEO of Perry Ellis International.

“With the China Outfitters joint venture now in place, we will have a better understanding of the various opportunities for each of our brands throughout Greater China. In addition, the agreement also serves as a platform for us to further expand our broad portfolio of brands throughout the entire Asia-Pacific region. This is only the beginning of a tremendous opportunity for our company.”

China Outfitters will manufacture and distribute a full lifestyle offer encompassing dress shirts, sweaters, trousers, jackets, suits, sport coats, leatherwear, trench coats and down garments. China Outfitters plans to expand the Manhattan brand into more than 160 Manhattan stores-in-stores throughout Greater China by the end of 2017.

“Manhattan is a widely recognised and highly regarded brand with a rich history and strong metropolitan New York lifestyle association that we believe will be well received by the Asian consumer,” said Peter Lo, chairman and executive director of China Outfitters.

China Outfitters is headquartered in Hong Kong and currently has 475 of its own retail outlets and 627 third-party operated retail stores under multiple brands, including Doright, Hallmark, Jeep, Koyo Jeans, London Fog, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and Sideout.

GB

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