American apparel brand opens flagship store offering consumers “farm to table” concept
October 14, 2022 [Cleveland, Ohio] – SOZO, a rising apparel brand from Cleveland, OH with a disruptive approach to transparency, announces the opening of its first flagship store in the Pinecrest District. The brand is bringing a true “farm to table” approach to the fashion industry with an open concept format to show their pieces being made before they hit the retail rack. Over half of the 2,200 square foot store will be dedicated to their production facility where their cut and sew team will be visible through a glass partition, allowing for customers to view the entire production process while shopping. With a heightened awareness on sustainability and supply chain issues, SOZO is redefining what “locally made” means. This novel approach will allow for inventory replacement as pieces are sold, rather than holding large stock volume and the waste inherent to excess inventory. Additionally, transportation costs and environmental impacts are eliminated.
SOZO’s pieces are handcrafted by local designers and sewers with a focus on quality fabrics and fits. Taking inspiration from classic American styles and uniquely modernizing them, their collection ranges from their signature Heights Blend™ tee to hoodies, joggers, durable woolen flannels, knit accessories and more. The Fall 2022 palette includes antique whites, soft plums, grays, and sages, to round out any wardrobe.
“It’s exciting to be able to show how SOZO is made and bring true transparency to the fashion industry, as we open the first of what we hope will be many locations. The design of the store was inspired by the restaurant industry’s open concept format. With SOZO, we are hyper localizing our production by literally placing the cut and sew process inside the store allowing us to replace inventory instantaneously. It also serves as education and entertainment for our customers. As we grow, we plan to replicate this store model in other markets, giving them a similar localized experience. With quality and craftsmanship at our core, we are taking transparency to a whole new level. I am proud of our SOZO team, each member is a maker in their own right and instrumental in our brand’s success so far.” – Todd Leebow, SOZO Founder & CEO.
In addition to SOZO’s handcrafted apparel, the store will carry and highlight curated brands including Duke & Dexter footwear, Hiroshi KATO denim, Grown Alchemist skincare, books by Taschen and SOZO’s first brand collaboration, Handle With Care X SOZO jewelry.
The SOZO flagship store opens to the public on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 400 Park Avenue, Suite 176, Highland Heights, OH 44122. Consumers outside of the Ohio area can shop SOZO online at shopsozo.com.
High-res images HERE
About SOZO
SOZO, short for Soteria, the Greek goddess of safety and preservation from harm, was founded in 2020 by CEO Todd Leebow and a diverse set of fashion leaders and designers from the Cleveland area. COO, Christine Rizk and creative leads Danielle Pusateri, David Vangieson and Dean Ferguson.
The brand was established in Cleveland, Ohio to protect Majestic Steel’s essential workers during a worldwide mask shortage. From its inception, SOZO was produced in Majestic’s local plant using quality textiles and fabrics that were focused on comfort and style. SOZO has since evolved into a full clothing line, offering a variety of elevated American classics made for the modern lifestyle.
As part of our mission to restore American craftsmanship, all of our pieces are made in the U.S. with hand selected and ethically sourced fabrics.
With a mantra of “without compromise,” SOZO believes in having unmatched transparency in all areas of our product creation including where it’s made, how it’s made and the individuals who made it.
Media Contacts:
Paul Wilmot Communications
English Berthoumieux
Account Supervisor
Email: eberthoumieux@paulwilmot.com
Emily Rattanavong
Junior Account Executive
Email: erattanavong@paulwilmot.com
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