Hot Kiss Names New Merchandiser
Hot Kiss is growing. In its latest move, the Los Angeles- based junior label has named Todd Cardenas as its sportswear merchandiser.
Cardenas, who has over 20 years of experience in the junior apparel industry, was formerly in charge of merchandising for the XOXO junior sportswear and denim division. Prior to that, he worked as a buyer at Judy’s and GHQ stores before becoming a buyer of woven bottoms for Wet Seal in Foothill Ranch, Calif.
In his new position, Cardenas will expand the Hot Kiss collection to include knits, wovens, sweaters and activewear, the company said.
This is just the latest in Hot Kiss’ expansion moves. The company, which reported revenues of $40 million last year, recently entered an agreement with Van Nuys, Calif.-based Cherokee Group to help the company broker licensing agreements in Europe, Asia and South America.
Hot Kiss has also doubled the size of its corporate headquarters and warehouse in Los Angeles to make room for more national and international distribution.
And at the July 20–24 Miami Swim Show, where Hot Kiss debuted its new junior swim collection, Hot Kiss president and owner Moshe Tsabag said he is actively searching for new growth opportunities in the junior market.
In recent months, the company has increased its product offerings with licensing agreements, including ones for eyewear with New York-based Pan Oceanic; shoes with St. Louis-based Brown Shoe Co.; swimwear with Los Angeles-based Manhattan Swimwear; and handbags, belts and leather goods with New York-based Pacific Connections, which recently signed a license to produce watches for the company.
Additionally, the company budgeted $1.5 million for ad campaigns this year.
The company declined to give projections for revenues this year for the new licenses.
“Hot Kiss has grown exponentially in the last two years and as a result, the company faces new challenges,” said Tsabag. “We are prepared to continue that growth with a strong foundation.” —Claudia Figueroa
