Joseph Mimran the man behind Joe Fresh, low-priced private-label apparel brand in Canada, announced In an email to the Canadian press, his stepping down from the company.
Mimran confirmed his departure to The Financial Post Monday, saying he was passing leadership duties over to Mario Grauso, who was named president of the company last year.
The membrane remains the founder and brand ambassador.
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Grocery giant Loblaw Companies Ltd. (TSX:L) launched the private-label line in 2006 with Mimran overseeing the brand’s design vision.
Joe Fresh is available in 340 retail stores in Canada, and in more than 650 J.C. Penney stores, including 6 freestanding stores in the U.S.
The label opened its first storefront outside of North America last year with a flagship in Seoul.
“It’s been a remarkable journey since we launched Joe Fresh. I’m proud of what we have accomplished in these years, ” Mimran said in a statement.
“As we have grown into one of Canada’s leading apparel brands, our focus has always been on fulfilling the needs of our customers, offering great style at a great price — the rallying cry of our brand.
“As I step back from my day-to-day responsibilities I’m happy to pass the baton to Mario and his team — experienced hands committed to our shared vision. I look forward to seeing the continued growth of Joe Fresh as we introduce this iconic Canadian brand to new markets and customers around the globe.”
Grauso said Joe Fresh’s design and management team include COO Ian Freedman, women’s designer Henriette Ernst and men’s designer Jose Abellar.
In 2013, the company faced a fatal factory collapse in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where m
ore than 1, 100 people died in the April 24 tragedy at the illegally constructed Rana Plaza, making it the world’s worst garment industry accident.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. , provided financial compensation to the workers, plus contributed $1 million to “Save the Children Bangladesh” and the Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed, in support of programming for workers in the garment industry.
