O’Quinn is still alive and kicking after getting knocked around by the downturn and partner Dale Rhodes gave me a company update.
Dale said O’Quinn had a decent year last year and that the department store and large retailer business kept them alive – stores such as PacSun, Nordstrom, Tilly’s and the Buckle.
With the brand’s new partnership with a manufacturer in Honduras, O’Quinn is able to offer quick turns at good value with its T’s and knits – 66% IMUs for many styles.
Retailers don’t want to order too far out these days and O’Quinn can fill orders in 60 days.
Knits are coming back, Dale said, and the O’Quinn Classic T with no logo and custom stitching is retailing well. Other styles include muscle T’s, racer backs and V-necks.
O’Quinn has made the transition from the all over, scripty look to more clean, crisp styles.
O’Quinn also launched a juniors Classics T line last holiday, which is doing well at Becker and Val Surf, Dale said.
The company sees a big opportunity with juniors.
“This could be equal if not bigger than the men’s and could help fund the growth of our company,” he said.
O’Quinn also offers boardshorts and a combination walkshort/boardshort.
And for fall, O’Quinn is offering sweater knits with radiated colors.
Overall, O’Quinn is now focusing on its strengths – T’s, boardshorts and knits – instead of a complete line of cut and sew of previous years.
“We couldn’t be everything to everyone,” he said.
Dale and partner Dean Quinn have learned a lot in the three years the company has been in business, Dale said. O’Quinn came out of the gate strong, then when the all over graphic look faded it changed their business, then the recession and tight credit situation took its toll.
But with its new partnership and a stepped up marketing campaign with advertisements in Bliss and the signing of Tosh Townend, retailers know O’Quinn is not going anywhere, Dale said.
O’Quinn also just hired Mark Moreno in a sales and marketing role. Mark will be in charge of sales for Orange County and San Diego and will also serve as marketing manager. Previously, he’s worked with Sanuk and Aqua VI.
“We’re still eating rice and beans,” Dale said, “but we are making it.”
