So how is this even possible some people may ask. Let's see if we can paint the scene for everyone who forgot, and jog your memory on how we actually got here. It's was oh, about late 2009, when Apparel firm Iconix Brand Group signed an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Ecko portfolio of brands for $63.5m, which included, yep, Zoo York Clothing. Well That seems like big deal doesn't it? Well what if I reminded you that between Q3 and Q4 of 2009 the "recession" was statistically lower then at any other point. So how can a business excel in the depth of a global recession?
Well first understand what it is that Iconix Brand Group does. To put it clearly, and yes I'm paraphrasing, they basically take controlling interest of a company/brand and then then licenses its brands to leading retailers and manufacturers worldwide. Now when you consider the massive network of retailers that they partner with, plus their advertising capabilities the opportunities are really endless. What about just before the last summer Olympics? Zoo York opened their flagship store in the Philippines. According to Internet search data, in 2011 the Philippines region was hands down the most popular region for the brand, and that level of popularity seems o be growing through the beginning of 2012.
Recently you may have noticed the other moves the brand has made, getting situated with department stores like JCPenny, Sears, And Kohl's in the U.S. and while some people feel like this is when your brand has fallen off, I say the people who think like that are usually broke, and don't understand the name of the game is to make money. So while the Global economy was at its worst, Zoo York Clothing and the Iconix Brand Group were setting their business up for the future. And despite being sold to Iconix Zoo York looks to continue its global expansion.
