Nikita and Bonfire name new US sales manager

PORTLAND, OR June 26, 2014 - Nikita Clothing and Bonfire Snowboarding announced today the addition of Kristen Archdeacon to the team as National Sales Manager. Kristen comes to Nikita with a strong background in the fashion industry, driving sales and distribution for a variety of leading fashion brands as well as startups. She has built wholesale sales teams both nationally and internationally with focus on specialty stores, e-commerce, chains, major department stores and distributors.

Kristen will be working with the sales team in the US to grow Nikita and Bonfire distribution in all channels, developing custom programs for key accounts to nurture the brands, and providing input to the product development and marketing teams along the way.

"The thing that has drawn me the most towards Nikita is its ‘entrepreneurial value,’ says Archdeacon. “I have had my own fashion sales agency in the past, which reflects my own entrepreneurial spirit for working with start up fashion brands. I always treat each company I work for as if it were my own company and that way I am able to take startup brands from cradle to growth in a big way. I’m excited to do this for Nikita. I look forward to leveraging and growing Bonfire’s relationships as well.”

After starting her career in designer retail sales at Bloomingdales, Kristen moved on to grow wholesale teams for several prestige and fashion brands. Most recently she worked at Naven, a women’s Ready To Wear contemporary startup brand, which she grew significantly in both specialty and major retail.

VP of Nikita and Bonfire Frank Aeschbacher commented, “Kristen has a proven record of building strong distribution in fashion and fashion-forward action sports accounts. With the addition of her to the team, she will lead the distribution expansion in accordance to Nikita’s brand strategy. Her breadth of experience will also be effective for Nikita and Bonfire in the snow community.”
Kristen will be based in Los Angeles, California.
 
Nikita Clothing was born with a few handmade items based out of Iceland in the 1990s, and today has become one of the most popular brands for active girls worldwide. Collections in street, outerwear, and hardgoods provide a contrast of design, style, and functionality. Fit for purpose and made to resonate with similarly motivated, spirited, creative, and entrepreneurial women worldwide. Nikita. Made not manufactured. www.nikitaclothing.com
 
Bonfire Snowboarding has been handcrafting quality-riding gear for nearly a quarter century at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range. In an industry filled with uniformity, we pride ourselves on being unique. Our product is finely tuned for you—built to withstand winter’s danger and its delight, and always Tailored To Destroy. www.bonfiresnowboarding.com

By press release