The men’s accessories category is one of the fastest growing segments in the gift industry, something US company Mad Style recognised four years ago when it launched its Mad Man division.
Mad Style was one of the first to introduce men’s gear and accessories into the gift industry and it has proven to be one of the company’s strongest and fast-growing categories, says owner Douglas Stein.
“It is also one of the most recognised men’s brands within the gift market and the name gets a lot of attention,” he adds.
“Mad Style is always trying to grow their brands and move the style needle―and while our roots are firmly planted in the US, there is just no stopping a Mad Man.”
Indeed, Mad Man Australia has now launched down under with the head office based in Sydney. “We are expanding internationally, making it a happy Mad Man World!”
Mad Style was created by Stein and his wife Marta in 2004 so they could spend more time raising their newborn daughter. They’ve taken their lifestyle brand from 35 items run out of their basement, to over 4,000 items (not in their basement). They sell their brand into over 6,800 retail stores throughout the US, Canada and now Australia.
Stein says that after living and working in Australia he knew it was a territory that would understand and appreciate the brand name and products it represents.
“The brand name, Mad Man, generates huge interest and many one liners for all involved―everyone seems to know or have a comment on a ‘Mad Man’. We are the one stop shop for all products ‘men’; we offer the most comprehensive men’s gifts and accessories range in the marketplace. Our products fill life needs for all men (and many women) across many areas, they offer value and features not available from other brands.
“The success we have experienced with the men’s category has been overwhelming, we have gone against the odds of retail and seen double digit growth year-on-year since launching, hence it being the area we have decided to grow internationally.”
Mad Man was first introduced to the Australian market last August at the Melbourne Reed Gift Fair to an overwhelming response. “We experienced double the sales we had anticipated and are now investing inventory into the territory and setting up a warehouse in Melbourne. We should be able to start shipping from April 2018.”
The brand will be exhibiting at the Sydney Reed Gift Fair (stand CC19) at the end of the month where it will be showcasing its latest lines.
By Marion Gerritsen
