1750 ET - Levi Strauss wants its namesake brand to be known for more than just jeans. The apparel company's sale of its Dockers business was an effort to put the focus back on its Levi's brand, CEO Michelle Gass says during an analyst call. Levi's is now producing more tops, dresses, outerwear and non-denim bottoms to expand beyond jeans, she says. Second-quarter sales for branded items grew 9% globally, with 6% growth in men's and 14% in women's. The company's classic jeans are also still in demand, with sales up 8% in the quarter. "Our position as the most recognizable denim brand in the world is a powerful competitive advantage," Gass says. Shares rise 6.5% to $21.01. (katherine.hamilton@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 10, 2025 17:50 ET (21:50 GMT)
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