Jan 8, 2014

Marika Signs Multi-Year License Agreement With Stone Mountain Accessories

Marika, the largest division of FAM BRANDS has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Stone Mountain Accessories for women’s sportbags and handbags. The first collection to be produced under the Marika label will ship to retailers for an August debut date. The new licensee will enhance the brand’s expanding portfolio of licensees and complement the existing Marika active apparel.

John W. Spotts, EVP International Business Development and Licensing for FAM Brands eagerly began his licensing mission in mid-year 2013 for the corporation with super brand, Marika. John emphasizes along with Frank Zarabi, CEO/Owner of FAM BRANDS: “We are pleased that the well-known and highly regarded Stone Mountain Accessories has joined Marika’s emergent licensing portfolio. Both Marika and Stone Mountain are experts in their product categories and have strong retail relationships, top-notch design and sales teams, as well as exceptional expertise in product development and sourcing. We are certain that they will grow and enhance the Marika brand.” Adds Rob Stone, who has worked with FAM for over a decade on a variety of strategic planning and licensing projects, “Sportbags, handbags and the other accessories we have recently signed are only the start of what we have forecasted for Marika. Our strategy outlines dozens of other categories that relate well to our coveted Marika name.”

According to Stone Mountain Accessories President/CEO, Kenneth Orr, “The Stone Mountain team is excited to license the Marika activewear and yoga brand name for sportbags and handbags and looks forward to our product debut and long-lasting relationship. The category is growing and we have designs in the works that will work well into the lives of today’s multi-faceted consumer.” Mr. Orr projects the collection to reach a sales volume of $3 million for 2014.

The new collections will follow Marika’s emphasis of function, performance and exciting design aesthetics, including signature details and themes that differentiate the brand from the competitors. Large totes, duffels, gym bags, yoga bags, messengers, backpacks, cinch-sacks and cross-body bags are the major direction in silhouettes. Nylon, rip stop nylon and canvas, many with PVC trim, are the core materials for the stylish, contemporary and very functional grouping. All bags will be hands-free, lightweight and very durable. The intention of the Marika bag line is to reach active women who want a functional and fun bag that fits today’s lifestyle, traveling from home to work and/or the gym. Retail price points are expected to range $25 – $65.

More great categories will be joining, so stay tuned to more news from the exciting FAM BRANDS group and Marika!

About FAM BRANDS and MARIKA: Founded in 1985 by Mr. Frank Zarabi (CEO/OWNER), FAM BRANDS is a privately held company based in Commerce, CA. The company manufactures branded and private label apparel and maintains its position as a leader in the industry by incorporating the most innovative performance materials and technology in all of its versatile product designs. With brands such as Marika, Balance Collection, Zobha, TEHÁMA, Peace and Pearls, Bally Total Fitness and now La Vie Jet Setter®, as well as licensed products featuring such labels as The Limited and Eddie Bauer, FAM BRANDS caters to all channels of retail distribution from big box stores to department store chains, sporting good specialists, gym/studio and spa stores—totaling over 15,000 locations. MARIKA first launched in 1982 and to date boasts over $3.5 billion in CUMULATIVE retail sales. Marika has successfully identified and cultivated important opportunities, particularly the shape enhancing activewear segment, for which it owns seventeen patents and is known for its attention to design, quality and affordability.

About STONE MOUNTAIN ACCESSORIES: Established in 1978, New York-based, Stone Mountain has become a benchmark for the highest quality handbags at sensible prices and is clearly one of the most respected companies in the accessory industry. Consumers recognize the collection for its savvy styling coupled with dependable durability. Over the years, the company has taken its expertise further with expansion into growth categories including trend collections, men’s accessories, junior looks, travel and premium items and most recently, active bags.