VF Corp. turning brand stable into retail strength.(VF Corp. acquired 7 for All Mankind and lucy activewear)

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Apparel company VF Corp. acquired two fashion brands--7 for All Mankind and lucy activewear--for a total of $885 million late last month. The two companies, with combined total revenues of $350 million, will be the foundation of a new contemporary labels brand portfolio that VF intends to build.

"We're a very consumer-focused company, and we're very scientific about how we do that," said Eric Wiseman, president and coo of VF Corp., in a phone interview. "We look at how consumers live their lives and what brands they believe are authentic to them ... both 7 for All Mankind and lucy activewear are two of those brands within the premium denim and …