Candies Inc. markets a wide variety of accessories, merchandise and footwear aimed at young women. Candies Appereal is sold in several department stores, but is best known from Kohls. Candies products are sold throughout the United States, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand and parts of Asia and Europe. In women's lines, products may also be available under the Bongo brand. Candies even produces men's casual shoes and sturdy boots under a private label. Candies takes its name from a high-heeled shoe marketed by Charles Cole, founder of El Greco, called the "Candies Slide". The "Candies Slide" was a new shoe that combined mesh material to produce a zipper-front boot in the early 1960s, which became a favorite. The Candies brand was first registered in 1978 by Charles Cole and placed its first order for 600 pairs or shoes. The success of Cole's shoe was demonstrated in the final scene of the film Grease, in which Olivia Newton-John wore tight pants and high-top shoes similar to the classic Candies Slide. Grease made the shoe very popular, and Cole used his business connections to introduce Candies Slide to the developing market. Specialty clothing stores, independent chain stores, and department stores were more willing to purchase the slide due to low-cost manufacturing in China. Italy. Once Macy's started carrying these shoes, other stores followed and sales took off. El Greco sold more than 14 million pairs of slides between 1978 and 1981. Chrissy sneakers, Jellies, and plastic sandals also became popular under the Candies brand during this period. The future of shoes under Candies has changed with the new ownership. Sales declined significantly after Cole sold the majority stake in El Greco to UK-based Pentland...... middle of paper ......age with advertisements. With a target market of young women, Cole founded the Candie's Foundation. who worked to educate about the consequences of teenage pregnancy. Cole took a unique approach by using ads featuring celebrities that young women can relate to. Neil's goal was to help women succeed, as he had done with his widely known candy line, and to go beyond raising awareness. However, in 2005, Cole made the life-changing decision to transform Candies Inc. into Iconix Brand Group, Inc. The company had grown from a smaller operating organization to a brand management company. To date, Iconix Brand Group has acquired more than 30 brands in eight years, creating various brand lines for women, men, home and entertainment, and Candies has signed strictly with Kohl's department stores. Works cited “Management” www.iconixbrand.com “Mission” www.candiesfoundation.org