Manufacturer Earns Accolades
Kayo of California, a Los Angeles–based manufacturer of casual women’s apparel, was named one of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s Suppliers of the Year on Feb. 2. The manufacturer, which produces womenswear under the Faded Glory and White Stag brands and sells its goods in Target, Sears, JCPenney, Mervyn’s and Nordstrom, has earned the distinction five times.
The award, which is based on pricing, shipping, marketing innovation, customer service and overall product performance, goes to suppliers who have “demonstrated exceptional progress and innovation,” the company said.
“By monitoring sales per store and developing custom modules for unique demographics, Wal-Mart is experiencing an increase in sales and profits with less inventory,” said Leon Kurzweil, Kayo’s marketing executive, in a statement.
The 68-year-old company also received the Bentonville, Ark.–based mass retailer’s Supplier Award of Excellence for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2005. In total, the company has earned 18 quarterly awards in the past nine years. Kayo has achieved success with private label “just in time” replenishment programs using vendor-managed inventory systems, the company said. —Erin Barajas
