American menswear brand Rowing Blazers has announced the sale of a majority stake in its business to investment firm Burch Creative Capital. The exact financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. This strategic move is aimed at facilitating the brand's growth and expansion initiatives.
Rowing Blazers intends to utilize the investment to bolster its team by hiring key personnel, enhance its womenswear line, broaden its distribution channels, and increase its retail presence. The brand is set to inaugurate a new flagship store in Manhattan, New York, potentially as early as autumn 2024.
Following the acquisition, Jack Carlson will continue to serve as the creative director of Rowing Blazers, while co-founder David Rosenzweig will retain his position as director of strategy, focusing on collaborations and partnerships. Notably, the brand has collaborated with renowned names such as Gucci and Target in the past.
To support its expansion plans, Rowing Blazers has appointed Grant Simm as its first chief financial officer. Simm brings valuable experience from his previous role as CFO at Aimé Leon Dore, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the brand's growth and securing investments from LVMH Luxury Ventures.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership with Burch Creative Capital, Carlson stated, 'This partnership will enable us to reach new audiences, enhance our product offerings, and provide superior service to our existing community.'
Furthermore, Rowing Blazers is gearing up to introduce a women's line in response to growing demand. Carlson emphasized the success of the brand's women's sheep sweater and previous collections, indicating a promising future for the women's segment.
Burch Creative Capital, founded by Chris Burch along with partners Tom Vellios and Jason Epstein, has added Rowing Blazers to its diverse portfolio, which includes prominent brands like Staud, Solid & Striped, Danielle Guizio, BaubleBar, and Tory Burch.
Chris Burch expressed confidence in Rowing Blazers' potential for global success, drawing parallels to his earlier ventures in the apparel industry. The collaboration with Burch Creative Capital is expected to leverage the firm's expertise and resources to propel Rowing Blazers into a prominent global brand.
Since its establishment in 2017, Rowing Blazers has gained recognition for its distinctive interpretation of the preppy style, attracting a loyal following of celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. The brand's exclusive collaborations with renowned names such as Seiko, Barbour, Gucci, and Target have further solidified its position in the fashion industry.
