MANUFACTURING
Columbia Inks Licensing Deal With Delta Galil
Portland, Ore.–based Columbia Sportswear Co. struck a licensing deal with Delta Galil Industries Ltd. to develop and produce a line of performance underwear under the Columbia Sportswear label.
Under the agreement, which runs through 2018, Tel Aviv, Israel–based Delta Galil will produce a collection that will include women’s sports bras and underwear as well as men’s underwear. Items in the collection will feature performance characteristics such as moisture management and anti-microbial properties. The collection is launching at the Jan. 7–10 run of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Expo in Salt Lake City. The line will sell at Columbia stories as well as outdoor specialty stories and better department stores worldwide. Delta Galil also holds the global license for Columbia men’s and women’s socks.
“We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Columbia Sportswear and provide them with intimate-apparel collections that embody the performance, fit, function and style that consumers worldwide associate with the Columbia brand,” said Isaac Dabah, chief executive officer of Delta Galil, in a company statement. “This represents an important growth opportunity for our business as activewear remains a strong contributor to our overall sales.”
Founded in 1975, Delta Galil manufactures branded and private-label apparel for men, women and children, including seamless apparel for bras, shapewear, socks, intimate apparel for women, underwear for men, babywear, activewear, sleepwear and leisurewear. In July, the company acquired Irvine, Calif.–based pajamas and loungewear maker P.J. Salvage for an undisclosed price. Delta Galil’s other labels include Schiesser, Karen Neuburger, LittleMissMatched and Nearly Nude.
“We are excited to be collaborating with Delta Galil on the development of our performance underwear business,” said Matt Merriman, director of licensing at Columbia Sportswear. “Their design expertise, ability to meet our high quality and performance standards, and strong global reach will be instrumental in expanding our brand into this important new category.”
