Miken Dives Into Denim
Miken Clothing, a surf-inspired juniors sportswear apparel maker in Los Angeles with net sales of $40 million, is entering denim waters by signing a licensing agreement with the Access Jeans Corp. The line is set to bow during the Aug. 30–Sept. 2 run of MAGIC International in Las Vegas.
Adding denim to the mix is a natural brand extension, said Kenny Landy, who co-founded Miken with business partner Mike Bobbitt in 1996.
“Denim will diversify and broaden the Miken collection,” Landy explained. “It will not only merchandise well at retail but also open new distribution channels for our brand.”
The Access Jeans Corp., a private-label denim manufacturer in Carson, Calif., is set to produce a line of stylish denim, twill and corduroy activewear. The line uses premium ring-spun or cotton-blend denim made with a mixture of fine yarns and stretch fabric, Landy said. Pieces come in low-rise, mid-rise, straightleg, flare and boot-cut bodies and in bottom, capri, short, miniskirt and jacket styles. Retail price points range from $24 to $38.
“The Miken label has been well received in the marketplace and has a very strong following within the active arena,” said Ron Cunningham, chief executive officer of the Access Jeans Corp. “We feel that the Miken customer, and others, will gladly welcome the new Miken offering.”
The initial denim collection will be sold at existing retailers, Landy said. Miken’s distribution includes Gadzooks Inc., J.C. Penney Co. Inc., Charlotte Russe Holding Inc., Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. and Tilly’s. First-year sales projections are somewhere between $8 million and $12 million, he noted.
Miken will showcase its new denim line at trade shows but Access Jeans will handle all aspects of sales, said a Miken spokeswoman.
Denim is not the only category Miken is moving into. The 8-year-old apparel company is looking for licensing partnerships for swimwear, eyewear, hats and other accessories, Landy said, adding that the company is tapping the networking talents of licensing guru Mick Mankowski.
For more information, call (310) 537-6100, or visit Miken at MAGIC booth JR11418. —C.F.
