First Joseph Abboud Stores in China Set to Open in Fall 2008

NEW YORK--(EON:Enhanced Online News)--JA Apparel Corp. announced today that the first Joseph Abboud stores in China, set to open this fall, will feature fine “imported” men’s suits and tailored clothing made with pride at the Company’s factory in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Marty Staff, President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Apparel Corp., said the Company is now in the process of completing its first shipment of men’s tailored clothing for the fall of 2008 that will travel from New Bedford to Shanghai, China. The Company will ship its spring collection for 2009 to China in January.

Mr. Staff said: “We’ve all heard about how apparel manufacturing is one of so many industries to move in recent years from the U.S. to China. We’re pleased to be moving in an exciting new direction by bringing the fine craftsmanship of a Joseph Abboud suit ‘Made in America’ to Chinese customers. This is a huge opportunity to build new relationships and add to our extremely loyal customer base. I am certain that this new step in building a global Joseph Abboud lifestyle brand will be a resounding success.”

Chinese consumers will be offered an entire lifestyle assortment of Joseph Abboud products at a number of locations. The stores in China, operated by licensing partner Judger Group, will also feature sportswear, footwear, bags, belts and outerwear, among other offerings.

Currently, JA and Judger Group plan for 15 “doors” – both stand-alone stores and shops within high-end retailers – to be opened by the end of 2008, including flagship stores in Shanghai and Beijing. The first five stores are scheduled to open in the fall.

Another 15 “doors” are planned by summer 2009, including locations in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wuxi. By 2012, the Company expects to be in 100 locations, half of which will be department stores. The Company is targeting high-end customers in China, and is exporting tailored clothing made of some of our most luxurious fabrics in our Platinum make.

In March, the Company hosted a runway show in downtown Beijing, where China's media executives, department store buyers, mall owners and fashion elite got their first glimpse of the Joseph Abboud brand. The 28-look show, which kicked off the 2008 Fall Fashion Show, was held in the courtyard of the Beijing Grand Hotel. A video compilation of the show is attached.

As many as 1,100 suit jackets and 950 pairs of trousers are made each day at the unionized New Bedford factory, which is the exclusive producer of Joseph Abboud suits, sportcoats, and dress trousers for the U.S. market. Joseph Abboud is the only American designer of fine men’s suits to also manufacture suits in the United States.

The Joseph Abboud Brand

The Joseph Abboud Brand (www.josephabboud.com/) embodies sophisticated American style for traditional menswear. The Joseph Abboud brand instills confidence through tailored collections and unique sportswear that are crafted from the world's finest fabrics and defined by superior fit, exceptional quality and remarkable luxurious style.

Since 2004, the Company has made a successful transition from men’s suit designer to global lifestyle brand. Joseph Abboud can now outfit a man in style throughout his entire life, thanks to lines of clothing for men and boys and a growing collection of casual wear. In addition, the Company has an expanding universe of products ranging from luggage to footwear to eyewear to home furnishings. Abboud brand names include Joseph Abboud, JOE Joseph Abboud, Joseph Abboud BOYS, and Joseph Abboud Home.

The Company concentrates on only on the very best retailers and specialty stores and is constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience and reinforce its relationship with the stores that carry its products. Joseph Abboud products aren’t everywhere – the large majority of domestic sales occur in about 415 “doors” in the U.S. The Company carefully chooses where to sell Joseph Abboud fine menswear and other products and intensively markets the products in those select locations. As a result, our customers develop a strong affinity to the Joseph Abboud brand.

Overseas, Joseph Abboud is partnering with leading licensees as the Company develops new products, expands into new markets and generates profitable top-line growth.

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