Goody's Orders Duck

Goody's Family Clothing (Knoxville, Tenn.) has acquired the historic Duck Head trademarks and four related licenses from TSI Brands Inc. (Tampa, Fla.), and its parent corporation, Tropical Sportswear Intl. Corp.

The brand of men's sportswear, founded by two Civil War veterans, had been purchased by TSI in June 2001 after declaring bankruptcy.

“We are extremely proud to assume ownership of a brand with so much historical significance in our country,” said Goody's chairman and ceo Robert Goodfriend. “As we celebrate our company's 50th anniversary . . . we believe the Duck Head brand will be an excellent addition.”

Brothers George and Joe O'Bryan founded their apparel wholesale business after returning home to Nashville, Tenn., from Civil War duty. Their innovative trouser design, cut and sewn from the closely woven tent material known as “duck,” was later trademarked as Duck Head. The company's manufacturing plants produced nearly 5 million uniforms during World War II.

Goody's, a 330-store chain in 18 states, currently has extensive lines of private label apparel, including Ivy Crew, Old College Inn and RMG Chairman's Collection for men; Mountain Lake and GoodClothes for women, and Baby Crew, GoodKidz and OCI for children.