RANDA ACCESSORIES ACQUIRES R&S SALES FOOTWEAR

Leading accessories brand Randa has acquired the assets and operations of R&S Sales, a 36-year-old provider of men’s and women’s seasonal footwear. Steven Podhaizer, who currently runs R&S, will join Randa as senior vice president, managing the company’s combined seasonal footwear business.

The deal expands relationships with current Randa partners, including Chaps and Williamson-Dickies, and forges new relationships for the company with Rockport, Jessica Simpson and Hanes. Randa first launched its seasonal footwear business in 2012 with three brands in the United States. The business has since grown 300 percent to include seven brands in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia.

“Through R&S, Randa will explore new channels of distribution while increasing our value to our current customers,” says Judy Person, Randa’s executive vice president and group president. “We will provide R&S with our incredible toolkit, including logistics and sourcing expertise, sophisticated marketing, in-store merchandise service, packaging, and omnichannel support.”

Adds Podhaizer: “At R&S, we continually look for ways to maximize the interests of our long standing licensing and retail partners. Joining with Randa’s first class management team, strong eco-system of support services and their passion for their partner’s success will be a win for all. We are excited by the new possibilities and thrilled to work with all the great Randa leaders and associates.”