Latest news with #AmericanExchangeGroup
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American Exchange Group Acquires Venus Fashion
American Exchange Group, a leader in accessories design, licensing and manufacturing, has acquired Venus, a heritage women's fashion brand. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Venus manufactures vacation-ready swimwear and versatile wardrobe staples including dresses, tops, denim, sweaters shoes and accessories. Venus has had a long-standing presence in both e-commerce and catalogue retail. The deal closed July 29. More from WWD Bogner Sells Majority Stake to Katjes International to Drive Global Expansion Gucci Reveals 2025 Recipients of the North America Scholarship, Impact Fund and Creative Fellows Program La Plage to Launch Swimwear Trade Show in France The acquisition, whose price wasn't disclosed, marks a significant step in American Exchange Group's strategy to grow its portfolio of owned and licensed fashion and lifestyle brands. Venus joins a lineup that spans accessories, footwear, beauty, home and apparel, including brands such a Aerosoles, NatureWell, Indie Lee and Jonathan Adler, enabling American Exchange Group to further diversity its offerings and expand into new market segments. 'This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our continued expansion into the fashion and apparel category,' said Alen Mamrout, chief executive officer of American Exchange Group. 'The brand's strong identity and loyal customer base align seamlessly with our strategic vision. With our resources and expertise, we're excited to explore what's next for the brand and unlock its full potential in the evolving retail landscape.' Laura Bollier, CEO of Venus, said, 'As we look toward the future, we're excited to reset and return to the core of what made Venus iconic: bold, effortless, empowering fashion designed with intention. This new chapter gives us the strategic support to sharpen our focus and thoughtfully expand — while staying rooted in the DNA our customers have always loved.' Under AXNY's leadership, Venus plans to streamline its product offering into more curated, high-quality seasonal collections and introduce new retail experiences, including a forthcoming expansion into key retail partnerships. The brand will continue to operate from its Florida headquarters with a focus on digital growth and enhanced customer engagement. Founded in 1984 in Jacksonville, Fla., Venus has a deep background in swimwear, pioneering the concept of swim separates which allows women to find their perfect fit. Venus' core swim solids are designed with recycled fabrics crafted from repurposed pre- and post-consumer materials. The company uses solar energy to power its Florida headquarters. The company's swimwear ranges in sizes from 2 to 24 and swim bra-size measurements up to a G cup. The company's wide range of women's fashion has select offerings in plus and petite. Venus distributes its products through Venus. com, as well as select styles on Starboard cruises and hotels, along with Amazon and Target. Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Sean Combs Regains Control of Sean John Brand Isabel Marant Said in Play Again: Sources Holding Industriale Invests in Shoe Specialist Valmor
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Aerosoles to Preview Archive-inspired ‘Essentials' Collection to Buyers at Next Week's FFANY
Just eight months after joining Aerosoles as its new president and chief brand officer, industry veteran Jimmy Gabriel is ready for the market to see what he's been up to since coming on-board. Debuting at next week's FFANY market week in New York, the American Exchange Group-owned footwear company will unveil the Aerosoles Essentials Collection, which builds on the brand's most iconic, archival shoes. More from WWD Dockers Footwear Marks Next Chapter With New Innovations, More Classifications FFANY President Sandi Mines Reflects on Women's Progress in the Footwear Industry: Women in Power American Exchange Group Acquires Giant Propeller Marketing Agency to Support Growing Brand Roster According to Gabriel, the debut collection will be over 100 styles — everything from dress heels, wedges, mid platforms, block heels, and flats with a range of closed-toe, sandals, and sneakers. Expect to also see a variation of materials used including stretch, woven and knits, as well as iconic ornaments that are synonymous with the Aerosoles label including buckles and hardware. Priced from $29 to $89, the collection incorporates Aerosoles' signature comfort technologies including the Diamond Flex Sole, Stitch N' Turn construction, and diamond-embossed pillow-soft insoles. The collection is slated to be available to consumers by the fourth quarter this year. 'The archives for Aerosoles are pretty incredible,' Gabriel told FN in an exclusive interview ahead of FFANY. 'We started by diving into nearly four decades of iconic samples, catalogs, and feedback from both retailers and consumer. That history helped us identify the brand's most beloved and successful styles.' The executive noted that the idea was to bring that consumer along the journey to what Aerosoles used to be while also regaining the faith from that customer by updating its icons. 'There's going to be a number of shoes that people are going to see in the collection and say, 'Oh my god, I remember that look.' That's what I'm excited for everyone to see,' Gabriel added. As for what else has changed at the brand, the executive noted that following its 2022 acquisition by American Exchange Group, Aerosoles has entered a new era of growth. 'Before the acquisition, Aerosoles was more of an item-driven business,' Gabriel said. 'Now the brand is a complete line and the consumer is reacting. We have tripled the business since the acquisition — a lot of which came from building our online presence.' Gabriel also noted that the customer range has widened in the past few years. Indeed, Aerosoles is now seeking out women aged 25 to 65, according to the exec. 'We now have three generations of consumers who know the brand,' he said. 'I want to make sure that we include all of them in Aerosoles going forward.' Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos]
