USA: Steven Madden Plans To Launch Men’s Footwear Line

Steven Madden, Ltd, a designer, wholesaler, and marketer of fashion footwear for women and children, today announced plans to launch a men's footwear line. A preview of the new line will debut at the FFANY Shoe Show on November 27-29, 2000, and select styles will be shipped to retail customers in time for the Spring selling season. The full collection will be unveiled in February 2001 at the MAGIC and the WSA Shoe Shows in Las Vegas.The business will operate under a new division led by Harry Chen, president of the newly formed men's division, who will report directly to Rhonda Brown, the company's president and COO. Assisting in the management of the new line will be Ken Braun, vice president of sales, who has over twenty years experience in men's footwear.Rhonda Brown, President and Chief Operating Officer, said: "This is a natural extension for our business and we will be able to leverage our existing infrastructure. Most importantly, by adding men's shoes to our product mix, we have set the stage to meet the footwear fashion needs of a broad based audience including men, women and children."Steve Madden, CEO, concluded: "With the addition of Harry Chen and Ken Braun, I now feel comfortable that we have the people and the infrastructure to create an explosion in the men's market. There is obviously a large market for modern male footwear and with our new line, we are responding to the growing consumer demand."