Blair Corporation, a national catalog and multi-channel direct marketer of women’s and men’s apparel and home products, announced that it has formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Allegheny Trail Corp., to launch a wholesale business targeted primarily at outdoor sporting goods and recreational retailers.
Allegheny Trail will offer a core product line of men’s and women’s outdoor apparel basics — everything from polos and tanks to cargos and fleeces — at entry-level price points allowing retailers to be more competitive with major national brands. Allegheny Trail will launch its core basics for Spring 2004 at trade shows next month and plans to expand its offerings to sportswear, outerwear and hard goods this fall.
Blair Corporation recently appointed Dick Holcombe, as General Manager of the new subsidiary. Dick brings over 30 years of experience in the apparel, sporting goods and outdoor industries. Before joining Allegheny Trail, Dick served as Chief Marketing Officer and Head Merchant of A. J. Prindle and Co. for three years. A past President of The Outdoor Industry Association (former ORCA), he spent 20 years with Woolrich in several executive level positions including Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Sales Operations for its wholesale business. He also served as a member of Woolrich’s Board.
“Allegheny Trail will allow the outdoor retailer to have a quality line of apparel, at very competitive price points and good margins. Now retailers can compete with national chain labels, like American Eagle, the Gap or Old Navy as well as some of the current outdoor brands in the market,” said Mr. Holcombe.
