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Fibre2Fashion
Published
Jan 22, 2018
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Hardwick Clothes names Ken Hoffman as new chairman

By
Fibre2Fashion
Published
Jan 22, 2018

Hardwick Clothes, America's oldest Made in USA tailored clothing maker, has appointed Ken Hoffman, former CEO of Hart Schaffner Marx, as its new chairman.


Hardwick Clothes



The appointment will reunite Hoffman and Hardwick CEO Bruce Bellusci, who spent almost three decades together building Hart Schaffner Marx's market. 

"Ken's presence and reputation within this industry are without parallel. His insight, instincts, and leadership will help Hardwick accelerate along the course we set four years ago, to increase our share of the growing tailored clothing market in a meaningful, sustainable way," said Bellusci.

Hoffman takes over the position from Hardwick's owner, W Allan Jones, who has presided over the company's rebuild and rebirth since purchasing the brand out of bankruptcy in 2014.

"First order of business was always saving an American icon, and the American jobs that went along with it: focusing locally, and building outward," noted Jones. "From there, we set out to revamp the design, engineering, and manufacturing processes, to elevate the look and feel of the product, and create garments that could rival the finest Europe has to offer. And remain 100 per cent American Made – all of which we have done."

The 137-year-old purveyor of American Made blazers, sport coats, suits, and dress pants continues to post strong annual sales growth, with a primary focus on building the business with leading independent menswear shops and select department store partners.

The naming of Hoffman as chairman signifies the next phase in this growth. On the back of a record-setting holiday sales period, which saw Hardwick more than double its advance seasonal business, along with a re-launch of the company's brand and website in October, the clothier is poised to take advantage of both a broadened product offering and strengthened relationships with retailers.

These relationships, Hoffman noted, are what will help bring Hardwick's craft-driven approach to the customer.

"The market for tailored clothing has grown significantly in the Social Media age, with an ever evolving and expanding customer base entering the market for the first time," said Hoffman.

"At the core of this market is a discerning, thoughtful, stylish customer who cares a great deal about materials and make in all facets of his life, from food to furniture, spirits to suits," Bellusci added. "Our retail partners share in this focused, meaningful, detail-driven approach, and have built their businesses on it for generations on end."

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