Next Inc announced that they have renewed their apparel license for Grits Inc (Girls Raised In The South) through BMI (Brand Management International), exclusive agent for Grits, Inc. Grits Inc is a multi-million dollar merchandising company specializing in women's apparel. Founded by Deborah Ford, a lifelong Southerner and author of "Grits Guide to Life" (non-fiction book of the Year 2004) and "Puttin' On The Grits," Deborah's third book, (now in bookstores) "Grits Friends Are Forevah" has received rave reviews from critics. A fourth book on Southern men, "Bless Their Hearts," was released in October 2006.
Joe Ferragina, the Company's Exec VP of Sales stated, "We're very pleased to have renewed the apparel license for Grits. The franchise has a very loyal fan base which has allowed the spawning of numerous derivatives of the brand.
We're looking forward to continuing to leverage the brand allowing our retailers to differentiate themselves in their respective markets."
As part of the renewal of the Grit's license, Next will continue to market and distribute "Primary Colors by Grits" as part of their collegiate offerings.
This program is cross-licensed between the various universities and Grits Inc and allows Next to expand their product offerings to their existing collegiate retailers.
The addition of Primary Colors provides a major inroad to solidifying Next’s position in the growing ladies collegiate market.
The slogans on the garments tie in Grits as well as the school colors and mascot. Example: "Southern Girls Know Their Primary Colors...Crimson and White" along with the University of Alabama logo.
Next Inc
