CAbi, one of the largest direct sale women’s apparel businesses in the U.S., is entering the Canadian market this week.
The Canadian market will include all provinces, except for Quebec, and represents the first foray outside of the U.S. for the 14-year-old company. CAbi — Carol Anderson by invitation — was cofounded by Kimberly Inskeep, who is president and chief culture officer, designer Carol Anderson and 10 other individuals.
CAbi was acquired three years ago by two private equity firms, J. H. Whitney & Co. and Irving Place Capital.
Rick Perkal, a senior adviser at Irving Place, said the model was an attractive one because it was about “women helping other women feel better about themselves.” He said if the Canadian expansion goes well, the company would consider bringing the brand to other English-speaking countries.
Michael C. Salvator, senior managing