Rugged Bear branded clothing will reappear on store shelves in July, although it will now be made by six different companies under licensing agreements granted by TRB Acquisitions, which acquired the brand's assets in bankruptcy court in April, 2011.


Eli Yedid, president of Cutie Pie Baby Inc as well as president and partner of TRB Acquisitions, recognizes that the brand contributes its past success to quintessential pieces that are durable enough to withstand children’s activities and comfortable enough to live in everyday. While focusing on staying true to the quality and price points that have attracted the Rugged Bear customers in the past, TRB has enlisted the following licensees to help continue the Rugged Bear name:


  • iApparel, LLC for outerwear;

  • Cutie Pie Baby for newborn, infant and toddler apparel;

  • Eastman Group for footwear;

  • FAB/Starpoint for backpacks;

  • CNY Apparel for underwear and pajamas; and

  • Gina Group for hosiery and crib shoes.

 


Besides introducing an updated version of Rugged Bear, Yedid acknowledges that there is a lack of boys' apparel in the market and plans to focus approximately 70 percent of their products around boys’ sizes up to eighteen, with heavier concentration on age four to seven.


The Rugged Bear will be available July 2012 at department and specialty stores nationwide.