Vantage Apparel Partners With Redwood Classics Apparel

Two industry suppliers that focus on premium clothing styles have finalized an exclusive partnership.

Avenel, NJ-based supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) now offers select garments from Toronto-based Redwood Classics Apparel (asi/81627), a certified Tier-2 supplier that specializes in high-end Canadian-made products.

Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) is now the exclusive supplier of Redwood Classics Apparel (asi/81627) items to U.S. distributors. From left: Jason Li, head of infrastructure, WS & Co. Ltd.; Chak Cheng, founder and CEO, WS & Co. Ltd.; Kathy Cheng, founder and president, Redwood Classics Apparel; Rob Watson, CEO, Vantage Apparel; and Ira Neaman, president, Vantage Apparel.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Redwood Classics’ exceptional products into the Vantage family,” said Vantage Apparel CEO Rob Watson. “Redwood Classics’ commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation aligns perfectly with our values at Vantage. This partnership will enable us to offer our customers an expanded selection of value-driven options that are both stylish and meticulously crafted.”

Since 2009, Redwood Classics, an in-stock premium apparel line owned and operated by WS & Co. Ltd., has offered products to many industries around the world, including resorts, universities, corporate programs and both brick-and-mortar and online retailers. Redwood Classics is also certified women- and minority-owned.

Among the Redwood garments now available from Vantage are quarter-zips, long-sleeve fleece, button-down cardigans and hooded sport jerseys.

From left: Redwood Classics’ Yukon Quarter-Zip Polo Sweatshirt (REDW1622) in olive sand and navy sand, Robson Crewneck (REDW1635) in gray/charcoal and Brantford Hoodie (REDW1637) in black/gray. All are now available from Vantage.

“Partnering with Vantage Apparel marks a significant milestone for Redwood Classics,” said Founder and President Kathy Cheng, a member of ASI Media’s Promo for the Planet editorial advisory board. “Vantage’s extensive network and industry expertise will help us reach new heights and continue to grow our presence across North America. We look forward to collaborating with Vantage to bring our unique, Made-in-Canada designs to a broader audience.”

Vantage also offers Redwood’s Lawren Cardigan (REDW1411) in eggshell and Hector Cardigan (REDW1412) in black.

Executives said the agreement furthers both companies’ commitment to sustainability and social consciousness, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, operations and community support. In 2020, Vantage, which stocks garments made with REPREVE recycled polyester as part of its Earthwise collection, transitioned to recycled poly bags in its packaging. This spring, the company donated $30,000 to Clean Ocean Action in Long Branch, NJ.

Redwood Classics, meanwhile, is known in the industry for its domestic manufacturing, upcycling efforts and commitment to supplier diversity. The company is certified by WEConnect International, the Women Business Enterprises Canada Council and the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council. It’s also a National Member of Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce.

With reported 2022 North American promotional products revenue of $49 million, Vantage Apparel ranked 39^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. The new one is due out this summer. Ira Neaman, president of Vantage Apparel, is a member of the Counselor Power 50 list.