PRESS
Making Cooking Fast, Fun, and Foolproof with PowerXL
PowerXL™ is out to change the way people think about kitchen time and home tasks.
New York, N.Y. — PowerXL is out to change the way people think about their kitchen time and home tasks. The goal is to empower people through pioneering product innovations that give users the confidence to cook and know that whatever they make, it will always be delicious. With PowerXL™, they can create what they crave.
PRESS
G+G helps Arctix redefine premium outerwear
Something new for everyone at Arctix.
New York, N.Y. — The Arctix Winter Collection features the latest winter trends, prioritizing quality and durability. For 20 years Arctix has been protecting millions from the cold and the wet, the snow and the wind. On the slopes, in the backyard, and at their jobs. Known for, tested by, and loved by millions with 100,000 five-star reviews and counting.
PRESS
G+G positions Recover as the Big Impact Outfitter
The Responsible Company For Everyone On a Mission to Help Earth Recover.
New York, N.Y. — Recover Brands proudly sells 100% recycled ultrasoft sustainable t-shirts and apparel made with environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Their goal is to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the fashion industry Recover Brands with eco-friendly apparel and accessories. .
PRESS
Timberland PRO launches new category to shoe unsung heroes of the hospitality industry
When Timberland PRO was born in 1999, we expanded the brand to specifically create premium and innovative footwear and apparel.
New York, N.Y. — Timberland PRO, the brand’s line of footwear and apparel designed to deliver comfort, durability and performance for skilled trade professionals, is stepping into a new category with the introduction of hospitality footwear. The New Hampshire-based brand launched the new Burbank collection with an intimate pizza making event.
FashionUnited spoke to Ryan Murphy, Brand Marketing Director at Timberland, about the gap in the shoe market that motivated the launch. “Why should hospitality workers swap out their favorite sneakers for the new Timberland styles?”
PRESS
NFL Hall of Famer TERRY BRADSHAW and Family Retain G+G as Branding & Licensing Agency
Terry has many passions & life experiences he wants to share with his extended fanbase through this partnership with Graj + Gustavsen.
New York, N.Y. — Bradshaw Whitener, doing business as Bradshaw Brands, announced this week that it has retained G+G as its branding & licensing agency to identify and secure brand-right business opportunities across multiple industries and categories. As part of the licensing initiative, G+G will be reimagining the Bradshaw Brand for a new generation of consumers.
PRESS
FRENCH TOAST Launches #B2STogether Campaign
Preeminent school uniform supplier celebrates return to school via social sweepstakes with prizes for students, parents, and teachers.
New York, N.Y. — French Toast, a schoolwear brand dedicated to the students, educators and communities it serves, has announced the launch of its #B2STogether campaign. Helping students start school in style and comfort for over thirty-five years, the brand is celebrating what makes going back to the classroom this year so special with school events and sweepstakes. The #B2STogether social sweepstakes invites families, teachers and school administrators to share why going back to school this year means more than ever before. Winners will be rewarded with frenchtoast.com gift cards and other prizes including a Jetson hoverboard and scooter and clothing from adidas and Carharrt Kids.
PRESS
CAPEZIO Taps Graj + Gustavsen as Exclusive Global Licensing Agency
Graj + Gustavsen is reimagining and re-positioning CAPEZIO for a new generation of consumers.
New York, N.Y. — Graj + Gustavsen is reimagining and re-positioning CAPEZIO for a new generation of consumers and is pursuing brand-right and market-right pathways to extend the 130-year-old dance brand into new products, experiences, and audiences in line with market and consumer trends of fitness, self-expression and demand for authenticity.
The new positioning was created to inspire and empower everyone to dance, perform, and express themselves — beyond the stage into a world of dance infused and inspired products, experiences and inspiration for everyone who loves to move.
PRESS
MANNA: This Genius App Basically Grocery Shops for You
Recipe app Manna makes grocery shopping effortless so you have one less thing to worry about
New York, N.Y. — We’ve all been there: You pick out the perfect recipe for dinner, scan the ingredients list and realize that in order to make the meal fit your dietary preferences or needs, you’ve got to customize the entire thing. Whether you’re swapping out prepackaged ingredients for cleaner alternatives, adding in low-carb alternatives or cutting back on salt or sugar, adjusting and adapting recipes – and then remembering what, exactly, you customized – is a process that most traditional cookbooks don’t exactly lend themselves to.
PRESS
MAVERICKS & LEGENDS: Simon Graj, The Co-founder Of Graj & Gustavsen
MR Magazine profiles industry execs whose vision, creativity, and courage continue to inspire.
New York, N.Y. — Today’s thought leader is Graj & Gustavsen co-founder Simon Graj, whose brand transformation agency has guided numerous brands – both established and up-and-coming such as the new footwear line Pinnz – through a changing and challenging marketplace.
For several decades, Simon Graj, his brother Ray, their business partner Eric Gustavsen, (more recently joined by Simon’s son Ashley), have created successful marketing campaigns for some of the world’s top brands.
APPAREL
Global Brands Group, CAPEZIO Enter Global Licensing Agreement
Graj + Gustavsen executed the deal on behalf of Capezio.
New York, N.Y. — Graj + Gustavsen has executed a worldwide licensing agreement between Global Brands Group and Capezio. The agreement sees Capezio expand its offerings into lifestyle categories, including men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel, footwear and accessories, creating dance-infused and inspired products and experiences.
Divided by experiences – nourish, awaken, unwind and rejuvenate – the new brand includes a curated collection of home-based products such as bath towels and bath rugs, throws, pillows, duvet covers, weighted blankets and robes.
“We looked for a partner that shared our vision for Capezio to extend the 130-year-old dance brand into a full lifestyle brand,” says Scott Todd, senior vice president, licensing and strategic partnerships, Graj + Gustavsen. “Global Brands checked all of the boxes and, through this partnership, we’ll be able to tap Global Brands’ innovative design and global distribution capabilities, vision and deep retail relationships to maximize the full potential of Capezio’s history and legacy.”
ARTICLE
WWD magazine: TALBOTS Quietly Launches Haven Well Within
The new concept is designed to have a spa-like sensibility with wellness being a key component.
NEW YORK, New York WWD Magazine — By Rosemary Feitelberg on December 3, 2020
Who launches a brand in the middle of a pandemic?
Talbots chief executive officer Lizanne Kindler asked that very question at the start of an interview Wednesday about the retailer’s new Haven Well Within business. The truth is the concept for this embrace-your-inner-homebody business was first hatched through last year. Recognizing how women were becoming increasingly focused on comfort, wellness and finding moments to take care of themselves, she said she saw an opportunity to meet those needs. After tapping Graj + Gustavsen to help build out the concept, the lean team had gotten to a good place by the beginning of 2020.
APPAREL
Big In Japan: Levi’s Denizen Finds Success
DENIZEN HAS RESONATED WITH YOUNG JAPANESE CONSUMERS. LEVI’S
BY LIZ WARREN
While heritage and quality are intrinsically linked to denim in Japan, the latter is becoming increasingly important to young consumers.
Nearly one year ago, Levi’s debuted its value denim line, Denizen, in Japan—and soon after, a global pandemic hit. But despite the resulting economic crisis and widespread uncertainty, the jeans maker is reporting an overwhelmingly positive response to its value line, and is gearing up for an even bigger 2021.
AUTOMOTIVE
Imperium Motor Company Readies New Experience Center
The new Imperium Electric Vehicle Northern California Experience Center will be located in Vacaville, California.
SURREY, British Columbia and Vacaville, CA, — DSG Global, Inc. (OTC: DSGT), a leading golf technology, and Imperium Motor Company®, an Electric Vehicle (EV) distribution company, announced the location of the New Experience Center. The new Imperium Electric Vehicle Northern California Experience Center will be located in Vacaville, California. The company is currently completing signage and minor remodeling of the facility for the Grand Opening in March. The new facility will be located at 148 Peabody Road, Vacaville, California.
APPAREL + LIFESTYLE
Hurley Engages G+G for Strategic Brand Initiatives
The epicenter of all things Surf, Skate, Snow, Art, Music & Culture.
NEW YORK, New York — Bluestar Alliance, LLC (BSA) has gone forward to rebuild Hurley’s core infrastructure and has poised the brand for exceptional growth. Focusing on what Hurley represents, the new plan encompasses much of the original Hurley vision: to be the epicenter of all things Surf, Skate, Snow, Art, Music & Culture.
Earlier this year Hurley announced a restructuring of its corporate workforce to align its organization with the company’s go-forward strategy. According to CEO, Joseph Gabbay, “As part of this restructuring, 56 jobs were unfortunately eliminated. This was a very difficult decision that had to be made in order to implement a sustainable plan for long-term growth. We could not continue to replicate the prior model, but that does not mean we don’t respect the brand, it’s culture or the people that have helped build it. No one wants to have to make these difficult decisions, but they were necessary if Hurley was to go forward.“
SNACKS + CANDY
7-Eleven’s Sips & Snacks Program Hinges on Healthy.
New portfolio of snack brands to be introduced this year.
IRVING, Texas — Introducing a new portfolio of snack brands to compete with established offerings is one way to be a category disruptor.
After a meticulous vetting process, 7-Eleven Inc. ushered in small, independent beverage and snack brands to the retail sets at 125 stores in the Los Angeles market—all part of its “Sips & Snacks That Love You Back” retail campaign. Prior to that spring, brands had a chance to impress 7-Eleven brass for eventual in-store placement during a two-day “Next Up” event, held in Irving, Texas.
In late October 2019, the chain launched the second round of the program, with the aim of adding smaller healthy-snack brands to store sets, due for arrival in 7-Eleven Los Angeles-based stores in 2020. For this second campaign, the program could expand beyond 125 units, the company said. While the initial program was confined to the Los Angeles metro area, the chain selected stores in 10 city demographic “neighborhoods,” which allowed the snack brands to garner trial diversely and holistically to measure performance across multiple demographic groups.
APPAREL
Talbots targets home comforts with new brand launch
Haven Well Within collection includes bedding, bath along and some housewares products
Hingham, Mass. — Talbots, best known for women’s clothing and accessories, is venturing into the home space with the launch of Haven Well Within. In a letter to Talbots shoppers, CEO Lizanne Kindler wrote: “There has never been a better time for us to launch this brand. Today, more than ever, we believe in the importance of enhancing our lives by taking time for ourselves and thoroughly enjoying every moment of life at home.”
Divided by experiences – nourish, awaken, unwind and rejuvenate – the new brand includes a curated collection of home-based products such as bath towels and bath rugs, throws, pillows, duvet covers, weighted blankets and robes.
On the housewares side, the offerings include kitchen canisters, carafes and pitchers, cookbooks, a charcuterie board and water bottles and mugs. Clothing and personal care products round out the mix.
Along with the products, Haven Well Within has gathered a panel of experts in the areas of sleep, beauty and skincare, diet and wellness and the mind/body connection, each of which is aligned with one of the experiences.
Website: Haven Well Within
ARTICLE
MR magazine: Graj & Gustavsen Founder Simon Graj Shares His Crystal Ball
“Rather than dictate, the store should guide customers so they can discover themselves.”
NEW YORK, New York MR Magazine — “Connecting the intrinsic DNA of a brand to the market opportunities of the future” is how Simon Graj describes the mission of Graj & Gustavsen, the company he founded more than 30 years ago. “We’re known for taking legacy brands (Brooks Brothers, Harley Davidson, Hurley, Timberland, Kohls’ private labels) and positioning them for the future. I feel grateful that we’re involved in so many exciting projects at a time that offers more opportunity than ever.”
Graj speaks about the unprecedented pace of change in our industry, accelerated of course by the pandemic. His bottom line on what retailers and brands need to do: create trust in an era of mistrust. “The mistrust these days is rampant: of the government, of big corporations. A market that was all about conspicuous consumption is no longer that. People are realizing that they don’t need as much stuff. We want product that’s life-enhancing rather than status-enhancing.”
The other big change, maintains Graj, is smaller local brands challenging the corporate giants: microbreweries outselling Budweiser; Harry’s outselling Gillette. And herein lies the opportunity: creative companies with vision and risk-tolerance can easily rise to the top. Of course, it helps if the brand has a mission beyond simply selling stuff. And it helps if there’s some authenticity to the mission.
Which is where G&G branding comes in. Recent projects include creating mission statements, marketing, advertising, partnerships, and licensing for a diverse group of brands.
APPAREL
CAPEZIO Taps Graj + Gustavsen as Exclusive Global Licensing Agency
G+G LICENSING announces that is has been engaged by CAPEZIO for brand positioning and category extension initiatives as its exclusive licensing agency.
NEW YORK, New York — Graj + Gustavsen is reimagining and re-positioning CAPEZIO for a new generation of consumers and is pursuing brand-right and market-right pathways to extend the 130-year-old dance brand into new products, experiences, and audiences in line with market and consumer trends of fitness, self-expression and demand for authenticity.
The new positioning was created to inspire and empower everyone to dance, perform, and express themselves — beyond the stage into a world of dance infused and inspired products, experiences and inspiration for everyone who loves to move.
“CAPEZIO’s legacy as a dance brand is incredibly inspiring as we think about market trends of fitness, movement, creativity, and changing needs for dressing for everyday functionality, comfort, and style.” says Scott Todd.
“We’re thrilled to be working with G+G to update our positioning and extend our brand into new categories and audiences.” says CAPEZIO EVP/Board of Directors Anthony Giacoio.
The new CAPEZIO positioning will be introduced to the market in the fall of 2020.
For information regarding CAPEZIO licensing opportunities contact Scott Todd at Scott@ggny.com
APPAREL
Banana Republic Donates Over $20 Million Of New Clothing To Americans In Need.
In Partnership with Nonprofit Delivering Good, Disadvantaged Americans Will Receive Banana Republic Clothing to Empower Their Future.
SAN FRANCISCO, California — As a brand that believes in freedom, equality and a life with no boundaries for all – not just some, Banana Republic aims to continue empowering people through clothing.
In response to the current crisis in America, Banana Republic Will Work for a Better Republic by donating more than $20 million of new clothing to those in need, including millions of unemployed Americans who need support getting back to work and getting back on their feet.
In partnership with Delivering Good – a nonprofit organization that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support Americans affected by poverty and tragedy – Banana Republic will donate clothing to a variety of partner organizations in states that have been most impacted, including Hour Working Women Program in New York, Central City Neighborhood Partners in Los Angeles, Family Focus Englewood in Chicago, among others. This donation will help people as they build a brighter future.
AUTOMOTIVE
G+G partners with DSGi to launch Electric Vehicle Company.
Simpler, more reliable, environmentally responsible and commercially affordable technology solutions.
SURREY, British Columbia — DSG Global, Inc. (OTC: DSGT) entered into an Advisory Service Agreement with New York based Graj + Gustavsen, Inc.
Under this five-year Agreement, G+G will provide DSG with strategic brand and business positioning, strategic marketing, concept development and ongoing strategic consulting services related to the growth and development of DSG’s golf technology, the expansion of its TAG technology into new verticals and the launch of Imperium Motor Company’s affordable electric vehicles into multiple channels. As part of the evolution of DSG Global, Inc., DSG Global will commence doing business as DSG/Imperium, or DSGi.
“We are now able to offer a scalable and fully integrated fleet management solution that can be fully customized to meet the needs of customers ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. We are in the process of completing the necessary licensing requirements, getting our San Francisco Bay Area EV Experience Center ready for viewing, and engaging third-party distributors,” said Rick Curtis, President of Imperium Motor Company.
Simon Graj. CEO of G+G, summarized the vision he shares with DSG as follows: “We consider DSG an innovation company with a shared purpose of designing and delivering simpler, more reliable, environmentally responsible and commercially affordable technology solutions. We are thrilled to be working with Bob and DSG to pursue these objectives.”
CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS
Kimberly Clark Launches La Vie Natural Feminine Care.
The first organic cotton top sheet pad and liner made from carefully sourced materials.
IRVING, Texas — Kimberly Clark Launches La Vie feminine products made from carefully sourced materials.
“Not only are our feminine products made from carefully sourced materials, but we’re also proud to say La Vie™ is the only organic cotton top sheet pad and liner made with a breathable Air Fit™ Cushion – giving you a close to-body-fit.”
Say hello to fast absorption and dryness, and goodbye to compromising your period protection. All La Vie products are made with an organically grown cotton top sheet and without chlorine*, fragrances and artificial dyes. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!”
*elemental chlorine
DIGITAL + INTERACTIVE
Food Network Kitchen App: Live Interactive Cooking
Live interactive cooking classes with Guy Fieri, Martha Stewart and others.
NEW YORK, New York — Introducing a new portfolio of snack brands to compete with established offerings is one way to be a category disruptor.
Discovery has announced it’s launching Food Network Kitchen, a subscription service app that will offer subscribers live, interactive cooking classes, as well as on-demand cooking classes, home food delivery, and thousands of recipes and videos. A purchase of Food Network Kitchen will also burnish the newly launched initiative Turn Up: Fight Hunger – a campaign in partnership with No Kid Hungry that aims to provide 1 billion meals to kids in the U.S.; one purchase of an annual subscription will provide up to 100 meals to kids living with hunger.
“As one of the largest media companies in the U.S., Discovery is privileged to be able to purposely give back to our communities and enact social change. Turn Up: Fight Hunger is a fantastic opportunity for us to use that power to help those in need across the country,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery, Inc., in a press release. “Hunger is a pervasive issue in our country, one that is largely hidden in plain sight, but it is a problem that can be solved.”
APP DEVELOPMENT
G+G Partners to Launch Manna Recipe App, Wefunder Campaign Begins.
The ultimate recipe app and cooking platform where utility meets community.
NEW YORK, New York — Inspired by the painstaking process of finding, understanding and using a recipe from the internet, Guy Greenstein thought there must be a better way to do this.
Guy’s mom is a Vegan, Kosher chef. He saw her working in her home kitchen with notebooks and post-it notes filled with recipes that had been modified. He figured there must be a better way. So, Guy called his best friend Josh, who called his sister, Rachel, who called David. Eventually, they all shook hands over a bowl of ramen and Manna was born. The family and friends team came together, like Sunday dinners at home.
• Food apps are divided between content and utility. We bridge that gap and empower the user.
• Manna is driven by young ambitious founders, with the leadership of a CEO with 40 years experience.
• Manna is built using top of the line tools. Most competitors solutions are built on legacy technology.
• Manna has a diversity of revenue streams. Unlike many tech companies, profitability comes first.
• Our brand is built by Graj and Gustavsen, which has 30 years of experience working with top brands.
Easy Spirit Reenergizes Brand Identity with New Mission and ‘Move For’ Advertising Campaign for Spring
One of HSN’s highest-profile and most inventive on-air celebrities, Joy Mangano, is leaving HSN.
Gemstone Spring: Sacred Living Spring Water.
How Easy Spirit is Hitting Refresh to Target Younger Consumers
Why a 35-year-old shoe brand is rebooting for the athleisure generation
Easy Spirit Engages Graj + Gustavsen for Brand Strategy and Positioning
Graj + Gustavsen Appointed by IRONMAN
EcoTek360, Inc. Announces New Co-Chairman
K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers Has Changed Its Name to Delivering Good
Supima Creates ‘Everyday Reimagined’ Ad Campaign
Answering the Question: Retail Reality, What Now?
Graj + Gustavsen Helps Renovate This Old House.
Zanella Launches First E-Commerce Site
You’ll Never Guess Where This Cool, Trend-Driven, Affordable Line Is Sold
Kohl’s Introduces Its Own Millennial-Focused Answer to Fast Fashion
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