Nautica sets sail for new outlets

By Timothy Sifert

The Nautica clothing line, popular in the United States, is about to make its first appearance in the country as Greek clothing importer and wholesaler Ridenco, which has the rights to distribute the brand in Poland, plans to open its first subsidiary in Warsaw in June and add three more shops in the next two years.

Athens Stock Exchange-listed Ridenco, which also sells products such as Timberland boots on the Greek market, will set up its first store in Galeria Mokotów to sell Nautica wares.

"I don't think that it's a good market this year, but it will be a healthy market in the future," said Maurice Richie Frances, managing director of Ridenco, an international manufacturer and distributor of clothing, footwear and cosmetics.

Like other clothing retailers that have recently entered the market, Frances said that he expects sales to pick up when the country joins the European Union and when an economic recovery, which will increase customer spending power, takes hold.

Frances said that Ridenco, which also has operations in Bulgaria and Romania, decided to establish shops here because today the company is better organized. He also believes that there will be a demand for the company's quality sportswear once the overall economy picks up.

Frances also noted that on the heels of opening its flagship store here, Ridenco would consider delving into wholesaling opportunities.

Nautica is a roughly 20-year-old brand started in the U.S., now on offer globally. Frances did not say specifically why it took a longer period to bring the brand name to Poland.

Nautica Enterprises, which includes more than 25 product lines and three brands, is a New York-based company listed on the Nasdaq stock market.