to most department stores and specialty boutiques in Canada. On the strength of its Canadian success, Baltex expanded into the United States. Today, most North American retailers carry its products, as the company has become one of the fifth largest swimwear manufacturers in North America, with over 500 points of sale in Canada and about 4000 in the U.S. In fact, almost 70% of the companys total sales are exports to the United States. Baltex currently holds approximately 7% of the U.S. swimwear market. As demand for its products continues to increase, Baltex has begun to modernize and computerize its manufacturing facilities to maintain the highest quality standards, even with volume production. A new laboratory ensures that fabrics comply with strict standards. In 2000, Baltex produced over 7 million pieces of swimwear which sold in numerous retail outlets for $40-$80. Designer SwimwearThere are a vast number of designer labels in the clothing and apparel industry all around the world, many of them manufacturing swimsuits. One of the most popular is Calvin Klein (CK). CK makes a variety of swimsuits aimed towards the needs of women. They make performance as well as fashion swimsuits but their main concentration is on fashion swimsuits. Other big names in the designer swimsuit market include:-Anne Cole-Liz Claiborne-Cole of California -Ralph Lauren-Anne Klein-Polo Sport RLX-Baltex-Shan-Cazimi-Christina-Nautica -San Francisco MaillotsThese designers produce mainly fashionable swimwear that keeps in line with the general brands image in terms of price, quality and distribution. Only a few of these designer labels have swimwear that can be worn for athletic activities. Designer swimwear is premium priced to keep in line with the brands image and reputation, ranging in price from $60 to $90 USD. Designer swimsuits are available at department stores that carry the same brands general appar...
