Harbor Footwear Group, Ltd. announced that Marty Staff has joined the company in a consulting capacity. Harbor's brands include GBX, G.H. Bass, Giorgio Brutini, IZOD and Zengara in footwear and, along with the Giorgio Brutini marque for apparel, belts and wallets that are set to launch in late spring 2012.
Staff's role will be to raise the profile of the Harbor brands in the marketplace, both at the retail and consumer level.
Staff has had an impressive 30-plus-year career in the menswear business, serving in several senior management positions at high-profile fashion companies. Prior to joining Harbor Footwear Group, Ltd., he served as Chief Business Development Officer for American Apparel in Los Angeles, CA from January 2011 to December 2011. From 2003 to 2011 he served as President and CEO of the men's apparel label Joseph Abboud. He also served as the President and CEO of Hugo Boss Fashions, Inc. from 1998 to 2002, as well as President and COO of Calvin Klein from 1992 to 1998. He is also recognized for jump-starting Ralph Lauren's retail business as their VP of Sales from 1987 to 1992.
Staff's retention as a consultant is on a non-exclusive basis, and both he and Harbor are looking forward to an exciting, long-lasting partnership.
“I'm delighted to be working with Harbor, one of the first wholesalers to bring fashion footwear to an affordable price level,” says Staff. “The company has a terrific reputation in the industry, an outstanding roster of iconic footwear brands and great leadership. It is truly one of the leading design, distribution and sourcing companies operating in the men's fashion footwear industry today. I will be working with Harbor to help focus and optimize assortments while helping to further improve the company's management of its distribution channels as we look to maximize returns in profitable business lines.”
Staff has a reputation for being one of the best executives in the business, building leading industry brands with solid methodology and strong vision.
“Marty has had a long and distinguished career in fashion and we felt that he would be a tremendous asset in helping us gain entre to retailers that might have been more challenging to approach on our own,” says Barry Specht, Vice President of Marketing for Harbor Footwear Group, LTD. “In adding his proven abilities in sourcing, distribution and marketing, Marty will help refocus our retail distribution strategy, refine our overall product mix as well as leverage the strengths of each of our existing brands.”
A number of positive initiatives have been undertaken in 2012 that have already resulted in new business. Marty's addition will continue to allow the company to build the momentum while laying the groundwork for 2013 and beyond.
“I want to grow the product lines,” says Staff. “When I was at American Apparel, I was able to successfully introduce Bass footwear into their stores, and I think there are many similar opportunities to bring unique and authentic brands like Giorgio Brutini and GBX to a wider base of consumers.”
