| Cherokee Inc. | |
| Type: | Public |
| Founder: | James Argyropoulos |
| Location City: | Sherman Oaks, California |
| Location Country: | United States |
| Key People: | Jess Ravich (Chairman) Henry Stupp (CEO) Howard Siegel (COO) Steven L Brink (CFO) |
| Industry: | Manufacturing |
| Products: | Clothing Accessories Shoes |
| Parent: | Galaxy Universal |
| Subsid: | Hi-Tec |
Cherokee Inc., also known as Apex Global Brands, is an American based global apparel and footwear company, headquartered in Sherman Oaks, California.[1] The company was established in 1973 and its brands are available in 110 countries in 12,000 retail locations and on digital commerce.[2]
Cherokee owns a number of fashion and lifestyle brands, including: Cherokee, Cherokee Workwear, Carole Little, Tony Hawk Signature Apparel and Hawk Brands, 900 Tony Hawk, Liz Lange, Sideout, Hi-Tec, Magnum, 50 Peaks, Interceptor, Everyday California, Point Cove, Saint Tropez, Chorus Line, All That Jazz, Ale by Allesandra, Teen Hearts and Flip Flop Shops.
In 1973, James Argyropoulos, the son of a Greek immigrant, launched custom-made footwear designs and began to sell them from his Venice Beach, California home. Soon it was stocked by department stores, including Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
In the early 1980s, the brand expanded to selling women's and children's apparel. During this time, it became available worldwide.
In the 1990s, Cherokee established a partnership with Target.[3]
The headquarters at Sherman Oaks, California employs 51-200 employees.
In 2021, Apex Global Brands was acquired by Galaxy Universal.[4]
It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in both 1993 and 1994, but continued to trade.
In 1997, it acquired Sideout.[5]
From 2002, Cherokee was sold at Tesco in the United Kingdom until 2015, when Argos took over the rights to sell the brand.[6] However, following the 2016 acquisition of Argos by the UK retailer Sainsbury's, the Cherokee brand was quietly dropped and replaced by Sainsbury's own Tu brand of clothing in 2017.
In December 2002, the company further expanded by acquiring the Carole Little,[7] Saint Tropez, All That Jazz and Chorus Line brands and CL Fashion trademarks.[8]
From 2013 to 2015 Cherokee was sold at Target Canada stores and was acquired by Sears Canada. Prior to Target, the label was sold by Zellers in Canada since 1998.
In January 2014, Cherokee acquired the worldwide Tony Hawk and Hawk signature apparel brands. In May 2015, Cherokee acquired casual lifestyle brand Everyday California.
On September 10, 2015, Cherokee announced[9] Target would cease carrying the brand when its license expires on January 31, 2017. As of 2022 some Target shops do carry Cherokee products but on a non exclusive basis.
In October 2015, Cherokee acquired Flip Flop Shops, a franchise retail chain offering flip flops, casual footwear and accessories.[10]
In November 2016, Cherokee acquired the Hi-Tec[11] and Magnum brands.[12]
Cherokee comprises a number of fashion and lifestyle brands:
Cherokee is the core eponymous brand, licensed in over 50 countries.
Cherokee Workwear is a brand that was introduced in 2004, which manufactures medical scrubs.
The Carole Little collection comprises items for work, travel and leisure.
Tony Hawk is an "action lifestyle" range.
900 Tony Hawk is a skateboard brand.
Liz Lange is a maternity wear brand.
Sideout was founded in 1983 and comprises athletic wear, sportswear and active wear.
Hi-Tec[13] is a privately held[14] producer and distributor of sportswear and accessories, headquartered in the Netherlands.[15]
Magnum is a footwear brand.
50 Peaks is a brand which creates outdoor footwear, equipment and apparel.
Interceptor is a tactical boots brand.
Everyday California is a "casual style outfit" brand.
Point Cove is a Californian brand which sells clothing, footwear and accessories.
Saint Tropez is designed for younger women.
Founded in 1975 by three men in southern California, Chorus Line is a moderately priced apparel company which initially begun as a retail company focusing exclusively on juniors collections. Chorus Line has branched out to include designs specifically aimed towards women in their 20s and 30s as well as petite and plus size divisions.
All That Jazz appeals to a teenage female customer base and with low prices.
Flip Flop Shops was founded in 2004 and is a retail chain retailing popular brands and flip flops and casual footwear.