The Fog Clears

London Fog Industries (Seattle), raincoat- and jacket-maker for generations of men worldwide, has announced it will emerge from bankruptcy protection next week after shedding more than $100 million in debt. The company had filed for a Chapter 11reorganization plan in 1999, after an aggressive plan to open retail stores proved unprofitable. As part of the reorganization plan, London Fog has closed 119 retail and factory outlet stores. It still operates 35 factory outlet stores throughout the country.

“During the past 18 months, we have concentrated on eliminating over 100 retail and factory outlet stores,” said president and ceo William Dragon Jr.. He added that both London Fog and Pacific Trail brands are showing double-digit increases for spring/fall 2001 orders in comparison to last year.

Dragon, who led the Pacific Trail subsidiary into record growth during his tenure as president of Pacific Trail, was tapped as ceo by the London Fog Industries board of directors in March 1999 to lead the company's reorganization. London Fog Industries was established in 1922. It currently designs, markets and distributes rainwear and outerwear under the London Fog, Pacific Trail and Black Dot brands, as well as Dockers and Levi's licensed brands.