Lee (brand)
| Industry | Clothing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1889 |
| Headquarters | Merriam, Kansas,USA |
Number of employees | more than 400 people |
| Website | http://www.lee.com |
Lee is a brand of denim jeans first produced in 1889 in Salina, Kansas. The company is currently headquartered in Merriam near Kansas City, Kansas, and is owned by the VF Corporation. The company states that they are "...a leading international retailer and manufacturer of casual wear and work wear." and that they have more than 400 employees in the United States.[1]
History
The company was formed in 1889 by Harry David Lee as the Lee Mercantile Company at Salina, Kansas to produce dungarees and jackets. The growth of Lee was prompted by the introduction of the Union-All work jumpsuit in 1913 and their first overall in 1920.[1]
1920s
Later in the 1920s Lee introduced a zipper fly and continued to expand. Around this time, the first children's overall line is introduced into the market. In 1928 H.D. Lee, founder and president of The H.D. Lee Mercantile Company, dies of complications following a heart attack.[2]
1930s and 40s
During the 1930s and 1940s the company became the leading manufacturer of work clothes in the US. In 1944, the Lazy "S" becomes the official Lee back pocket. One story says the "S" resembles the horns of a longhorn steer and another says it represents the shape of the back of an occupied saddle.
1950s
The Great Flood of 1951 wipes out Lee's Kansas City Distribution Center. It ruins the entire stock of merchandise, except the Buddy Lee dolls, which float. Just another historical fact that proves you can't bust Buddy Lee. In 1954, Lee expands into casual wear.
1960s
During the 1960s the company expanded to 51 countries and in 1969 was acquired by VF Corporation.[1] Denim offically makes the crossover into the fashion market and bell bottoms are welcomed with open arms by Vietnam protesters. Lee airs its first television advertisement, which promotes Lee western wear.
1970s
Lee shifts focus from the workwear business and begins catering to fashion cycles. At this time, Lee pioneers an all-new fit for women under the Ms. Lee label. A new tagline is developed, "Lee Fits America". A youth wear line for boys and girls is introduced.
1980s
Instead of following teenage trends as in past years, the over 25 market becomes Lee's focus in an effort to maintain the brand loyalty of this once blue jean generation. In 1989, The Lee Company celebrates its 100th anniversary.
1990s and Now
In 1996 the company founded Lee National Denim Day as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Working with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Lee National Denim Day has raised over $75 million to help fund breast cancer research programs.[3][4]
References
Citations
- Rodengen, Jeffrey L. (1998). The Legend of VF Corporation. Write Stuff Enterprises, Inc. ISBN 0-945903-38-3.
- Demim: From Cowboys to Catwalks; A Visual History of the World's Most Legendary Fabric. Aurum Press. 2002. ISBN 1-85410-791-7.
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External links
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