Devon Rifkin, president, The Great American Company, says Hong Kong has world-class trade fairs from where he sources new materials and finds unique ideas

Any overseas business with ties to Asia absolutely needs to have a base in Hong Kong, according to a US entrepreneur who's a self styled "Hanger King."

Devon Rifkin, founder and president of The Great American Hanger Company, who parlayed the most basic of products into a growing niche business, says his small company has over 50 staff in Miami, 15 in Nevada and two in Hong Kong.

He sources or manufactures from all over the world - in South America, Turkey, India, Hong Kong and China. He manufactures mainly in a partly owned factory in Shenzhen and Guilin.
 
"You need to be in Hong Kong to sell any product. We started our Hong Kong office in 2001 and I think that's only scratching the surface. We will expand as we go along. Our Hong Kong office acts as an important communication base with our factories in China and also helps us keep track of changes in new laws and regulations on the mainland. We're constantly on the look out for new materials and ideas and the city has some of the best and most well-organised trade shows in the world," said Mr Rifkin.

Trade fair capital and perfect gateway

On a recent visit to the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, he saw some cute ball ornaments. "This has resulted in a working partnership with a Hong Kong manufacturer who supplied the miniature ball ornaments for our new range of hangers," added Mr Rifkin who said some of his best deals are done with Hong Kong companies.

Through online sites Hangers.com for consumers and HangersDirect.com for businesses, Mr Rifkin sells at least 150 different styles. Customers range from major US retailers and designer brands to hotels, cruise lines, restaurants, airlines, celebrities and residences. Calvin Klein, Timberland, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Hilton Hotels are reported to be among his client list.

It has been five years since he set up the Great American Hanger Company after he saw the market potential while working in his father's store. "Hangers are very overlooked items which everybody needs but nobody knows where to get them. My long term vision is to create the first universally recognised hanger company in the world which is branded."

Hong Kong, he said, fits very much into his long-term plan, as he would love to spend half his time in the city. "Hong Kong has always been my most favourite city in the world. It is fascinating and has so much energy. People are intelligent, its' the perfect gateway and ultimately where I want to live." 

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The Great American Hanger Company