Dive Brief:
- Digital apparel retailer New York & Company will launch its first menswear collection on Aug. 10, according to information the company sent to Retail Dive.
- The retailer is also delivering its "most expansive collection to date" of women's footwear, which will be introduced in September.
- New York & Company plans to introduce home products in the fall.
Dive Insight:
New York & Company, an iteration of which was once known as a mall-based women's specialty retailer, is accelerating its expansion by engaging with different product categories.
The New York & Co. brand traces its history back to 1918 and follows a long trajectory of ownership — from starting as Lerner Shops in New York City, selling itself to L Brands, changing its name to New York & Company, selling itself to a Wall Street firm, going public, changing its name again, and ultimately filing for bankruptcy during the summer of 2020. The retailer was then acquired by The Saadia Group and became a digitally-based company.
Now, in its present form, the retailer is accelerating that e-commerce presence by moving into different product categories.
Its introduction to menswear will feature 150 pieces including tees, sweaters, fleece hoodies, joggers, pants, jeans, jackets and bags. The size range for products is from small to XXL for tops and 30 to 40 for pants and denim, and will cost between $29.95 and $129.95.
When it comes to its footwear product expansion, New York & Company will be designing in-house for the first time. The 85-piece assortment in sizes 6 to 11 will include flats, mules, pumps, booties and other styles and will range in price from $39.95 to $119.95. It will also be the company's first time offering half sizes.
Apparel sales were especially hard hit in the early days of the pandemic, as workplace and special occasion clothing were put aside for more comfortable options. The category experienced a comeback, though, with clothing and accessory sales up 57% in June. Recent retail gains driven by increased foot traffic in stores and consumers engaging more in life events may be impacted by the COVID-19 surge brought on by the delta variant.
