Macy’s to test LittleMissMatched boutiques
Concept to arrive by September
From Home Textiles Today -- Kids Today, 6/19/2008 9:55:00 AM
NEW YORK – Girls fashion brand LittleMissMatched plans to open 85 shop-in-shop boutiques in Macy’s by September. The company also has completed its first round of funding from consumer-market investor Catterton Partners.
LittleMissMatched confirmed that dec pillows and wall décor will be part of the Macy’s launch at some of the 85 stores. Jessica Varon, director of public relations for LittleMissMatched, said each shop will have a variety of products that will vary some from store to store. "Some of the products that will be most widely available include socks, change purses, flip flops and journals, but other products also include books, t-shirts, pajamas, wallets and more," Varon said.
The test is already under way at the Herald Square flagship here.
Catterton has committed $17.3 million of growth capital and the new funds will be used to broaden distribution, expand the company’s product offerings and launch a LittleMissMatched flagship retail store in New York in 2009, said Jonah Staw, co-founder and CEO of LittleMissMatched.
The tween brand started as a novelty hosiery line and has expanded into apparel as well as a bedding and room décor line produced by WestPoint Home and a furniture collection made by Powell Furniture. LittleMissMatched products are carried in more than 3,000 retail stores, the company said, including FAO Schwarz, JCPenney and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
“Catterton Partners’ experience in the retail industry, branding expertise and support for our vision for the brand make them the ideal strategic partner for us as we continue our rapid growth,” said Staw, who launched LittleMissMatched in 2004 with pre-packed, mismatched polka-dotted and striped socks. The company said it had 2007 revenues of $25 million and expects to do about $50 million this year.
