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B.U.M. Equipment

From Alfawiki
B.U.M. Equipment
Company typePrivate
IndustryApparel, Sportswear
Founded1986
FounderMorty Forshpan (acquired in 1986 by Chauvin International)
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
Area served
United States, international licensees including Malaysia, Taiwan, England, Korea, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil
Key people
Stephen Wayne (Chairman and CEO of SOS Management), Steve Marra (Vice Chairman)
ProductsSportswear for men, women, juniors, children; hosiery; footwear; backpacks; handbags; luggage; eyewear
OwnerBUM Equipment LLC
Websitewww.bumequipment.com

B.U.M. Equipment is a United States-based apparel brand under the ownership of BUM Equipment LLC. Its offerings encompass sportswear for men, women, juniors, and children, along with hosiery, footwear, backpacks, handbags, luggage, and eyewear. In 1993, the LA Times hailed B.U.M. Equipment as "one of the most successful young men's sportswear brands in California fashion history."

Established in 1986 within a Seattle garage, the company initially specialized in casual sportswear tailored for men, women, and children based in Los Angeles. Despite early achievements, financial setbacks occurred during the mid-1990s while under Chauvin International, Ltd., resulting in bankruptcy proceedings in 1996. The business was then taken over by creditors and management transitioned to SOS Management in 1997. The brand was revitalized by SOS Management and its successor entity BUM Equipment LLC, which remains responsible for its operations.

Founding Years (1986–1996)

In 1986, Chauvin International, led by Morty Forshpan, acquired B.U.M. The collection debuted in 1987 featuring simple apparel prominently displaying the B.U.M. logo on T-shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts. It earned $2 million during its inaugural year and expanded to nearly $240 million in annual revenue by 1992.

By 1992, Chauvin International collaborated with Chip & Pepper California—a Canadian casual wear brand—through acquisition of Chip and Pepper Wetwear Inc.’s assets and took charge of U.S. distribution while founders Chip and Pepper Foster continued overseeing design and marketing efforts. In 1994, Chauvin merged with Cami'z, Inc., a retailer specializing in B.U.M. products.

Due to declining revenues, B.U.M. International sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 1996. A court-sanctioned reorganization plan in 1997 led by SOS Management emphasized settling all creditor claims over a five-year span. Following this period, B.U.M. International was dissolved; its trademarks were subsequently purchased by BUM Equipment LLC, which continues to manage the brand.

Revival and BUM Equipment LLC Era (1997–present)

SOS Management was established in 1996 with Stephen Wayne as Chairman and CEO alongside Vice Chairman Steve Marra. Wayne brought extensive experience from his roles as president of Yves Saint Laurent Sportswear, Calvin Klein menswear, and Sasson Industries. He founded his own licensing agency, Stephen Wayne & Associates, in 1986 and acted as exclusive licensing representative for brands including Sasson, Bugle Boy, Andrew Fezza, and B.U.M. Equipment. Marra contributed sixteen years of expertise from Macy’s along with leadership positions within B.U.M.’s retail and sales sectors.

Emerging from bankruptcy under SOS Management’s guidance in 1997, B.U.M. Equipment saw SOS acquire its trademark in 2002 and establish BUM Equipment LLC. By 2005, the company managed more than twenty licenses globally and generated close to $600 million annually.

Brand Evolution

The athletic logo and aesthetic identity of B.U.M. Equipment were designed by Derek Federman prior to Morty Forshpan’s appointment as CEO of Chauvin International following its acquisition of the brand in 1987. Forshpan steered the label towards more fashionable designs that earned two nominations for California Mart's West Coast Designer of the Year award. Although "B.U.M." lacks an official definition, it has often been presumed to represent phrases such as "Basic Urban Merchandise."

Between 1997 and 1998 under SOS Management and BUM Equipment LLC leadership, Wayne secured upwards of 35 licensing agreements that propelled sales to approximately $2 billion over six years by focusing on major retailers like Target as well as regional chains including Ames and Meijers.

In 2005, SOS reorganized B.U.M.’s U.S. sportswear operations through a licensing deal with Buffalo Group while expanding internationally via licensees located in Malaysia, Taiwan, England, Korea, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. The brand diversified into footwear, socks, sunglasses, watches, luggage, and eyewear segments. In 2007, New York-based Channel Creations was contracted for men’s and women’s sportswear licenses. The company reintroduced young men’s and juniors lines into department stores through Sierra Fashions in 2009.

In 2004, Women's Wear Daily placed B.U.M. Equipment fifth on its "Top 10 Young Contemporary Hip List," highlighting its significant presence within the fashion marketplace.

Popular culture

During his 1992 tour, Billy Ray Cyrus sported B.U.M. Equipment workout tanks and was also featured wearing the brand in the October 1991 edition of Cosmopolitan. Jane Fonda showcased a B.U.M. Equipment shirt in her 1992 exercise video. Additionally, Christian Slater donned the brand in the movie Pump Up The Volume.

Sponsorship

B.U.M. Equipment, known for its sportswear and casual athletic apparel, has partnered with notable athletes including Laila Ali and Oscar De La Hoya. The company was designated as the official provider of off-ice casual clothing for the Los Angeles Kings. Starting in 1998, B.U.M. Equipment supplied apparel for caddies participating in PGA Tour events.

In 2012, B.U.M. Equipment took part in the Season 14 gifting suite of Dancing with the Stars, outfitting contestants with branded clothing during their rehearsal sessions.

External links

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