By Mario Toneguzzi

Rudsak, Canada's upscale outerwear and premium leather goods brand, has launched its direct-to-consumer presence coast-to-coast in the United States with plans as well to open its first American bricks and mortar retail outlet within the next year.

Lambros Piscopos, the company’s Executive Vice President and CFO, said the brand will be available across the U.S. at rudsak.com and includes a curated selection of best-selling and coveted pieces. All orders qualify for free shipping via FedEx Ground.

“We’ve been operating in the U.S. since 1997 on a wholesale basis,” he said. “Having a direct to consumer presence is a natural evolution of the company’s growth.”

Piscopos said about 15 per cent of the company’s online engagement already comes from the U.S. through social media and the existing ecommerce site.

Rudsak currently operates over 30 stores in Canada and has quadrupled its store footprint since 2010. Looking ahead through 2018 and into 2019, Rudsak will be available in a curated selection of boutique retailers around the world. The company also plans to open its first U.S. store within 12 months, said Piscopos.

From iconic leather jackets to down-filled coats, the company is renowned or fusing timeless design with seasonal trends for elevated functionality. Handbags crafted from the finest Canadian and European leathers and featuring exclusive hardware also highlight Rudsak’s celebrated reputation.

For the Spring/Summer 2018 collection, Rudsak has introduced fresh patterns and evocative prints. The company says new colours including Desert Rose, Flame, and Moss add a bold touch, while leather accents and signature hardware enhance the line’s urban elegance. Statement-making ensembles come together with Rudsak’s lightweight down jackets, transitional trench coats, leather handbags, clothing, and accessories.

Rudsak, established in 1994, is a privately-owned Canadian luxury fashion company.

As for Canada, Piscopos says there may be opportunities for further expansion. The company recently invested and upgraded its ecommerce site.

“Although we’re always looking at optimizing our retail store footprint, there continues to be growth opportunities in our domestic market,” said Piscopos.

Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary has 37 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, city and breaking news, and business. For 12 years as a business writer, his main beats were commercial and residential real estate, retail, small business and general economic news. He nows works on his own as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Email: mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com.

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