Mandee
Mandee Headquarters Address
12 Vreeland Ave.
Totowa NJ, United States 07512
(view in map)
Mandee Photos
About Mandee
Annie says savings start with Big M. The company operates some 35 Annie Sez off-price women's apparel shops, 10 Afaze accessory shops, and about 85 Mandee shops (mostly in New Jersey and New York) that target young women and teens. Its stores are also located in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Mandee shops account for most of the company's sales, with Annie Sez stores contributing another large portion. Mandee also sells through its website and offers store credit cards. The family-owned and -operated company was founded in Brooklyn in 1948 by the Mandelbaum brothers, and today is run by their descendants. Big M filed for bankruptcy protection in 2013.
Bankruptcy
The apparel retailer filed for Chapter 11 in January 2013 citing store closings and costs associated with damage from superstorm Sandy, which pummeled New York and New Jersey, its biggest markets. Big M plans to keep its stores open while it reorganizes. The company listed assets and liabilities of as much as $100 million each in its Chapter 11 filing.
With most consumers trading down to less expensive retailers during the economic downturn, discounters such as Big M have happily acquired customers who typically shopped at mainstream department stores and malls. As a result, Big M -- albeit a smaller player in the off-price clothing retail niche -- has fared well even with increased competition.
To better position its decades-old Annie Sez banner, Big M in 2010 launched a new advertising campaign, freshened up its mix of merchandise, and developed an online presence for the brand. As part of the campaign, Big M replaced the longtime "It's not just a store, it's an obsession" ad with the slogan: "I love labels. I crave savings. I shop Annie Sez." Additionally, in an effort to leverage the success of Lady Gaga, the company's Mandee stores also serve as a one-stop shop for the entertainer's inspired garb, such as jackets, denim, tops, handbags, shoes, and other items.
Big M positions most of its stores in strip centers, rather than fashion malls, to offer apparel and accessories at competitive prices. The company says mall spaces often carry higher rents, which would force it to raise prices on merchandise. Big M said its store location strategy paid off during the recession.
The discounter hasn't been without its legal woes. The company settled a lawsuit with upscale handbag maker Fendi in 2008. In the suit, the retailer was accused of selling counterfeit Fendi handbags from its Annie Sez stores. Big M settled the lawsuit and agreed not to buy or sell Fendi products without the design house's written permission.
Company founder Leon Mandelbaum died in 2006 at the age of 86.
Bankruptcy
The apparel retailer filed for Chapter 11 in January 2013 citing store closings and costs associated with damage from superstorm Sandy, which pummeled New York and New Jersey, its biggest markets. Big M plans to keep its stores open while it reorganizes. The company listed assets and liabilities of as much as $100 million each in its Chapter 11 filing.
With most consumers trading down to less expensive retailers during the economic downturn, discounters such as Big M have happily acquired customers who typically shopped at mainstream department stores and malls. As a result, Big M -- albeit a smaller player in the off-price clothing retail niche -- has fared well even with increased competition.
To better position its decades-old Annie Sez banner, Big M in 2010 launched a new advertising campaign, freshened up its mix of merchandise, and developed an online presence for the brand. As part of the campaign, Big M replaced the longtime "It's not just a store, it's an obsession" ad with the slogan: "I love labels. I crave savings. I shop Annie Sez." Additionally, in an effort to leverage the success of Lady Gaga, the company's Mandee stores also serve as a one-stop shop for the entertainer's inspired garb, such as jackets, denim, tops, handbags, shoes, and other items.
Big M positions most of its stores in strip centers, rather than fashion malls, to offer apparel and accessories at competitive prices. The company says mall spaces often carry higher rents, which would force it to raise prices on merchandise. Big M said its store location strategy paid off during the recession.
The discounter hasn't been without its legal woes. The company settled a lawsuit with upscale handbag maker Fendi in 2008. In the suit, the retailer was accused of selling counterfeit Fendi handbags from its Annie Sez stores. Big M settled the lawsuit and agreed not to buy or sell Fendi products without the design house's written permission.
Company founder Leon Mandelbaum died in 2006 at the age of 86.
Number of Employees in Mandee
1,001 to 5,000
Mandee Revenue
$100M to $500M (USD)
Industry
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