PAUL FRANK INDUSTRIES SIGNS GRUPO CANAIMA FOR APPAREL, ACCESSORIES AND RETAIL STORES THROUGHOUT LATINAMERICA
Costa Mesa, CA – This winter, Paul Frank Industries (PFI) is partnering with distributor and apparel manufacturer Grupo Canaima, to create a diverse range of apparel, bags, fashion accessories, and footwear including casual shoes and flip flops for all ages (infant to adults). Julius and his cast of friends will appear in Central America, the Caribbean Islands, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru in leading department stores and boutiques. In addition to operating the existing Paul Frank retail store in Panama, Grupo Canaima has also opened new Paul Frank flagship retail stores in Venezuela to strengthen the brand’s exposure in the Latin market.
Co-Founder and President of Paul Frank Industries, Ryan Heuser explained, “A long-time distributor for Paul Frank, Grupo Canaima has a great understanding of our brand and is the perfect partner to introduce new products and retail stores into the Latin American region. We are a unique signature design company that will resonate with fans all over the world. We are excited to continue the expansion of our Paul Frank stores into new markets and are thrilled to have a partner who will offer such a comprehensive range of our products.”
The Paul Frank Store is a unique, fun environment that encapsulates the brand’s diverse and growing range of whimsical products. With 35 locations worldwide in major cities like New York and Hong Kong, the addition of the Grupo Canaima stores will be consistent with the company’s strategy for creating a complete lifestyle positioning for the brand in new and developing markets.
According to Walid Darwiche of Grupo Canaima, “The happy, colorful world of Paul Frank will be very successful in Latin America and we are excited to expand the brand presence in each of these markets with new retail stores and high quality product offerings.”
Paul Frank Industries will be announcing additional licensee relationships moving forward, as a result of their strategic partnership with licensing agency, Gator Group. This newly adopted licensing model will allow the creative team at Paul Frank Industries to focus on unique design and marketing while each licensing partner will concentrate on manufacturing high quality products that captures the fantastic spirit and imagination of PFI.
About Paul Frank Industries (PFI)
From its modest beginnings as a Lo-Fi accessories company in a SoCal beach town garage, Paul Frank Industries has steadily grown into a globally recognized, iconic brand. Creating relationships through exciting collaborations and strategic licensing partnerships, today Paul Frank merchandise includes apparel and accessories for all ages, books, stationery, eyewear, home décor, bicycles and more. Paul Frank Industries features artistic and entertaining designs inspired by their love of avant-garde, modern influences and everyday objects. Paul Frank products are available at world renowned retailers including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Fred Segal, Colette, Selfridges, Beams and over 34 flagship Paul Frank stores located in key cities throughout the world. To see what’s new and exciting at Paul Frank Industries, visit: paulfrank.com.
About Grupo Canaima
Grupo Canaima was founded in the 1990s to incorporate two well-known import/export companies, Importadora Universal, S.A. and Importadora Canaima C.A., to become one of the foremost-respected outdoor and lifestyle distirbutors. The company has stayed true to its roots in household goods while expanding its offerings into lifestyle categories such as apparel, electronics, footwear and accessories. Grupo Canaima has worked with brands such as Eastpak, Avia, and Harley-Davidson.
About Gator Group
Launched in 2009 by Australian entrepreneur Geoff Rosenhain, Gator Group has quickly grown into a full-service licensing agency offering the unique combination of seasoned licensing executives coupled with expertise in product design and manufacturing. Gator Group provides a wide range of services for a focused group of strategic corporate partners as well as wholly owned brands. The company is the worldwide licensing agent for renowned fashion brand Paul Frank Industries manufactures a range of electronics accessories for Apple iPods, iPhones and laptops and recently launched a new socially responsible soft toy line, Tales 4 Tomorrow, created in partnership with Conservation International. Gator Group is headquartered in Dana Point, California with offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris. For additional information please visit http://www.gatorgroup.com.
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Marissa Florindi
Dan Klores Communications
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