Candies Inc. markets a wide variety of accessories, apparel and footwear aimed at young women. Candies Appeal is sold through several department stores, but is best known at Kohls. Candies products are sold in the United States, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand and parts of Asia and Europe. In the women's lines, the products may also be available with the Bongo brand. Candies also makes men's casual shoes and rugged boots under a private label footwear brand. Candies took 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 linked a mesh material to produce a front-zip go-go boot in the early 1960s that became a favorite. The Candies brand was first registered in 1978 by Charles Cole and he placed his first order of 600 pairs or shoes. The success of Cole's shoe was demonstrated in the final scene of the movie Grease, where Olivia Newton-John wore tight pants and high-tops similar to the classic Candies Slide. Grease made the shoe very popular, and Cole used his business contacts to bring the Candies Slide to the developing market. Specialty clothing stores, independent chain stores and department stores were more willing to purchase the slides due to low-cost production in Italy. Once Macy's started selling the shoes, other stores followed and sales took off. El Greco sold more than 14 million pairs of slippers from 1978 to 1981. During that time period, Chrissy sneakers, Jellies, and plastic sandals also became popular under the Candies brand. The future of footwear under Candies changed with the new ownership. Sales drop sharply after Cole sells majority stake in El Greco to UK-based Pentland... middle of paper... advertising age. With a target market of young women, Cole founded the Candie's Foundation. which worked to educate about the consequences of teen pregnancy. Cole took a unique approach by using ads featuring celebrities that young women can identify with. Neil's goal was to contribute to the success of women, as he had done with his widely known Candies line, and go beyond raising awareness. However, by 2005, Cole had made the life-changing decision to transform Candies Inc. into Iconix Brand Group, Inc. The company had grown from a smaller operating entity to a brand management company. To date, Iconix Brand Group has acquired over 30 brands in eight years creating diverse lines of brands for women, men, home and entertainment and Candies has signed Strictly with Kohl's Deptment Stores.Works Cited"Management" www.iconixbrand.com"Mission" www.candiesfoundation.org