Cotton USA Inc. to Introduce Men’s Line

Cotton USA Inc., a Moorpark manufacturer of women’s casual clothing, will introduce a men’s line, Mr. Cotton, next month. The company also is studying plans to launch its own chain of retail outlets, reports George Hagopian, president.

If the men’s line is successful, Hagopian expects to double his company’s plant size by purchasing a building next to the current headquarters on Kazuko Court. The expansion would bring Cotton USA’s total space to 22,000 square feet.

“We should know by January whether the men’s line is being well-received,” Hagopian said. “If it meets our expectations, we hope to acquire the additional building and also hire some new people.” Cotton USA, which is privately held, has 65 employees, 15 of them in Moorpark.

Hagopian said that although Cotton USA’s clothes are distributed nationally, the 15-year-old company is only now arranging for its products to be sold in Ventura County. He said a Ventura store, Loveland’s Clothing Grotto, will sell the items.

The women’s line includes pants, tops, skirts and dresses. The men’s line will feature shirts, pants, jackets and shorts. Hagopian said that all Cotton USA products are manufactured in the United States and are made entirely of domestically grown cotton.

Hagopian said he is considering a Santa Barbara site for the first company-owned store, but that a final decision has not been reached on whether to go ahead with the retail venture.