Ruff Time for Saks

Saks Inc. (Birmingham, Ala.) has announced an agreement with Kikomo Ltd. (New York), a holding company for several brands, to license the Ruff Hewn trademark for exclusive use in a wide range of apparel categories.

The retailer's Saks Department Store Group (SDSG) private brand organization will manage the Ruff Hewn brand. Under the agreement, SDSG obtains exclusive rights in the U.S. to design, produce, distribute and sell Ruff Hewn men's, women's and children's apparel, shoes and accessories and home products. The Ruff Hewn merchandise will be introduced into Saks stores in fall 2003.

“The name Ruff Hewn has incredible brand equity and recognition and has long been associated with high quality and a relaxed, yet classic, style,” said George Jones, SDSG president and ceo. “The agreement to produce and sell Ruff Hewn merchandise exclusively in our stores is consistent with our strategic initiative of offering unique and distinctive products to our customers.”

SDSG consists of 243 department stores under the Parisian, Proffitt's, McRae's, Younkers, Herberger's, Carson Pirie Scott, Bergner's and Boston Store nameplates. The parent company also operates Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises, which consists of 61 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 52 Off 5th stores.