Under Armour Inc (UA) and Coach, Inc. (COH): Brands Reaching Across Gender Lines

Because of its potential, and the limited competition, Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) is really focusing on the men’s line over the next year. Earlier in the year, the company showed how that single-mindedness can be a burden, if it causes you to lose focus on your core demographic. Coach fell short in sales of North American handbags, in part because of the effort put into the men’s line.

For both companies, the payout is worth the risk of increased competition and focus. By expanding into businesses that target both genders, Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) and Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) are opening up a huge source of potential income and, hopefully, getting out ahead of their competitors. While there is a risk, I imagine more companies will follow their lead, hoping to find success across the spectrum.

The article Brands Reaching Across Gender Lines originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Andrew Marder.

Fool contributor Andrew Marder has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Coach, lululemon athletica, and Under Armour and owns shares of Coach and Under Armour.

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