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Hickey Freeman Makes Clothing for Olympic Ceremonies in Rio

Hickey Freeman CEO Stephen Granovsky and Senator Charles Schumer at the factory on North Clinton Avenue
Alex Crichton
Hickey Freeman CEO Stephen Granovsky and Senator Charles Schumer at the factory on North Clinton Avenue

U.S. Olympic athletes in Rio will be wearing clothing made in Rochester in both the opening and closing ceremonies.

Senator Chuck Schumer was at the Hickey Freeman factory to announce that Ralph Lauren has selected the local clothier to produce blazers for the opening ceremonies.

Hickey Freeman has already been contracted with to make Ralph Lauren designed shorts for the Closing Ceremonies.

"Our Olympic athletes will proudly wear, to carry the American flag in Rio.  The good news everyone will see something made by Hickey in Rochester, billions around the world," he said.

Hickey Freeman CEO Stephen Granovsky while the volume of the Olympic business isn't much, there is an emotional significance for employees.

Schumer models his Hickey Freeman suit
Schumer models his Hickey Freeman suit

He says it raises everyone's spirits and gives them something to cheer for.

"I don't want to be transparent about it, but Ralph Lauren doesn't choose partners that might not make it," he said.

Hickey Freeman has made two thousand of the blazers.

It's expected the blazers will be available at retail stores for between $795 and $895 dollars.

Granovsky adds Hickey Freeman, after going through two recent bankruptcies, is in stronger financial strength than when its parent company, Samuelsohn, bought it three years ago.

Here's Senator Schumer trying on one of the Olympic blazers: