FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix Leather Goods Acquires Luxury Brand Trafalgar From Rand
BOLINGBROOK, IL Sept 9, 2020 // Phoenix Leather Goods, an industry leader in direct-to-consumer clothing accessories and small leather goods, announced today the acquisition of Trafalgar Leather Goods from Randa Apparel & Accessories.
Trafalgar Leather Goods was founded in 1972 in Norwalk, Connecticut as a luxury manufacturer of men’s belts and suspenders. Randa acquired Trafalgar in 2003.
Trafalgar is the largest producer of silk braces and suspenders, with over 100 unique patterns sold through more than 1,000 points of sale. Trafalgar Limited Edition Braces are woven by third generation weavers in France on manually operated looms to create patterns that are too complicated and delicate for machine production.
Many of Trafalgar’s original braces patterns were designed by Albert Thurston. In 1820, in celebration of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, braces and suspenders were first made and sold by Albert Thurston from his emporium at 27 Panton Street, Haymarket, London.
Trafalgar is also a leading producer of belts, wallets and exotic leather products crafted from alligator, ostrich and crocodile.
As a purveyor of fine leather goods, Phoenix Leather Goods (PLG) has long admired Trafalgar’s commitment to high quality and timeless designs. Jim Miller, PLG’s National Sales Manager said, “We are honored to have Randa place this gem in our hands. We will continue to embrace Trafalgar’s legacy of style and elegance while catering to the luxury market. In addition, we will infuse new contemporary designs for the belt and braces business.”
“The sale of Trafalgar is another waypoint on our strategic journey,” said Ed Turner, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Randa Apparel & Accessories. “Our goal was two-fold. First, to focus our resources on our growing apparel and accessories classifications and brands at affordable prices and extraordinary value. And second, to place our luxury Trafalgar Leather Goods business in caring, qualified hands. Randa has nurtured this brand for seventeen years, there are tens of thousands of loyal Trafalgar customers counting on us. With PLG, we know the legacy of Trafalgar will continue and grow.”
PLG will sell Trafalgar products through its direct-to-consumer websites, select third-party marketplaces and traditional retail outlets.
About PLG:
Phoenix Leather Goods was started in Naperville, IL, by its founder Gary Monds, who combined his entrepreneurial spirit and his knowledge of buying, selling, and manufacturing quality leather goods. After its beginnings as a small family business selling at flea markets, PLG, now located in Bolingbrook, IL, has grown to selling on major e-commerce marketplaces and two websites, BeltOutlet.com and CrookhornDavis.com. The PLG mission is “We Sell to Help.” More than 15% of their net profits are donated to charitable organizations.
About Randa Apparel & Accessories:
Randa Apparel & Accessories is a privately held company founded in 1910. The company produces the #1 dress pant brand in North America (Haggar) and is the world’s leading men’s accessories business selling over 100 million units per year under 30 brands including Haggar, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Columbia Sportswear, Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Dickies, and Kenneth Cole. The company distributes its products globally through more than 20,000 stores and employs over 1,000 associates at 26 offices located in 12 countries. As a leading global accessories company, Randa uses its scale and expertise to create and expand powerful brands, produce exceptional products, and engage consumers in extraordinary shopping experiences. For more information visit www.randa.net.
Media Contacts:
For Randa Apparel & Accessories:
David J. Katz, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
212-768-8800
For Phoenix Leather Goods:
Jim Miller, National Sales Manager
jim.miller@phoenixleathergoods.com
815-676-6706
SOURCE: Phoenix Leather Goods