Perry Ellis said its Nike Swim business is running up more than 35% as the 2008 swim season gets underway and has “continuous growth opportunities,” heading into the Beijing Olympics, according to comments made by Oscar Feldenkreis, president and COO of Perry Ellis International, while speaking at the Cowen & Co. Consumer Conference. Swimwear under the JAG, Jantzen and Perry Ellis brands are seeing “excellent performance” at department stores.
Feldenkreis also sees “major growth opportunities” on the action sports side as a transition is occurring. “The actual customer that has been buying the urban wear product is now converting and looking at surf and skate,” said Feldenkreis. Overall, the company's action sports and swim revenues are expected to reach $80 million in 2008.
In the golf apparel business, Perry Ellis launched this past holiday a successful test with Grand Slam women's golf in 100 Kohl's stores, and that is growing to about 125 stores this spring. Grand Slam men's is an exclusive to Kohl's and is in 957 doors. It also recently developed a program with Belk stores under the Pro Tour, as well as Dillard's under the Roundtree and York performance brand. PGA Tour is available in 567 JC Penney stores, as well as sporting goods stores like Modell's and Academy. Champions Tour is exclusive to Macy's. Overall, golf lifestyle revenues have been growing by plus 50% across all channels of distribution, according to Feldenkreis.
