CA-based shoemaker Vans and CA-based teen apparel
retailer Pacific Sunwear "are teaming up to make and sell a
line of Vans skate-inspired clothing," according to Leslie
Earnest of the L.A. TIMES. MA-based Tucker Anthony analyst
Steven Richter, on the partnership: "Kids are driving
business today. A great brand name in Vans teaming up with
one of the leading retailers in that marketplace seems to
make a lot of sense to me." Under the deal, Pacific Sunwear
receives the "exclusive rights" to sell Vans clothing in
"most of its stores." The venture is called "Van Pac" and
will be 51% owned by Vans and 49% owned by Pacific Sunwear.
The new line will be sold in 321 Pacific Sunwear stores and
106 Vans stores. The two companies will "work together to
design" the line, and Pacific will "handle manufacturing and
distribution and will identify trends to help direct product
development" (L.A. TIMES, 3/16). In Orange County, Greg
Hardesty wrote Van Pac has the "aim of becoming the dominant
clothing player" in skateboarding (O.C. REGISTER, 3/16).
