Mossimo
Encyclopedia
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
apparel company, founded in 1986 by designer Mossimo Giannulli, and currently owned by Iconix Brand Group
Iconix Brand Group
Iconix Brand Group is a brand management company that licenses brands to retailers and manufacturers primarily in the apparel, footwear, and apparel accessory industries. Its brands are available in such stores as Kohl's, Kmart, Sears, Macy's, Target and JC Penney.The company began as Candie's,...
. Mossimo specializes in youth, women, teenage, and adult male clothing such as shirts, jeans, jackets, socks, underwear and accessories. It draws from street, urban and sport styles.
Currently sold the US in 1700 stores, with international licenses in Australia, South America, Mexico, Japan and India totaling 600 stores.
History of Mossimo
Mossimo was originally founded in 1987 by Mossimo Giannuli in Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California. By marketing solely to surf shops, Mossimo’s company grossed $1 million in its first year. In 1991, Mossimo expanded the line to include sweatshirts, knits and sweaters. By 1995, the collection included women’s apparel and men’s tailored suits. After only eight years in business, Mossimo, Inc. had grown into a multi-million dollar lifestyle sportswear and accessories company.In 1996, following expansion of the line but decline in profitability and street credibility, Mossimo realized a need to inject new energy into the brand. As Mossimo explained, “From 1987 to 1996, we were on an absolute roll. Tons of profit, tons of growth…but we needed a stronger infrastructure to keep up.” On March 28, 2000, Mossimo, Inc. announced a major, multi-product licensing agreement with Target
Target Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
stores.