September 2, 2008
Contact: Mary Ellen Pahlka
1-800-877-9911 ext. 1014
Bodek And Rhodes Embraces Global Market With Latin-Inspired Cubavera
Hal and Mike Rhodes, dressed as Carmen Miranda, celebrate the launch of their new brand with Arthur Weiss from Cubavera
PHILADELPHIA, PA–This week Bodek and Rhodes, one of the leading wholesalers of imprintable activewear, announced they now carry the full line of Cubavera, a brand of Latin-inspired, executive apparel, becoming the only wholesaler in the industry to carry every single style in every color.
The camp shirts and polos have an executive tailoring that personifies the corporate market, but also is affordable and functional for the uniform, restaurant and hospitality markets because of its machine–washable ease. However, several of the styles and fabrics have a decidedly Cuban flavor and Bodek and Rhodes is proud to recognize and target an emerging Hispanic market.
"The Latino market is the fastest growing segment in the United States right now and will make up 20% of the population within the next ten years," says Mike Rhodes. "So we're really excited about this brand, not only because of the executive niche that it fills, but also because of the Latin complement it brings to our 35 brands for next year. Cubavera's fashion and quality is truly superb, and it's just a great-looking, comfortable line no matter who you are."
And the introduction of the new brand at Bodek and Rhodes headquarters reflected his enthusiasm. With an eight–foot replica of a Cubavera camp shirt hanging from the ceiling, company employees were treated to churros, Cuban coffee, maracas, straw hats and an interactive session featuring the unique styling and benefits of all sixteen Cubavera styles. For instance, there was a race in each session to count all the buttons on the traditional Guayabera shirt, while learning about the shirt's history. The correct answer was 28 buttons on the men's style with four pockets and a fashion to replace heavy suits as formal attire in the warm Cuban climate.
As a special treat to add to the festivities, Mike Rhodes and his brother Hal, Vice President of Purchasing, made an appearance dancing into the room dressed as Carmen Miranda, to the delight of the four classes of cheering learners.
"We knew we wanted to make a big splash with introducing this brand," says Mary Ellen Pahlka, director of marketing communications. "To be a global competitor, you've got to embrace other cultures. And Cubavera is just such a fun, hot brand, that we wanted to add some of this special zest in learning about it and getting all our employees as excited about it as our customers will be."
Bodek and Rhodes is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA with distribution centers in Philadelphia, PA; Niles, MI; Fresno, CA; Orlando, FL and Norton, MA. They are the only wholesaler to carry every Cubavera style in every color, and more information about this and their other brands is available online at www.BodekandRhodes.com.