Ibex, the Merino wool apparel and accessories brand, reported it expanded its North American sales team, now reaching the Canadian market.
AKA Sports Group, based out of Toronto, will help Ibex achieve its retail presence covering the Ontario region. AKA specializes in brand and retail partner building in the footwear, outdoor, athletic, and lifestyle channels. AKA also represents Keen and Cougar with past clients Saucony and the Kid’s Group at Wolverine.
Andrew King, principal at AKA, said, “We’re very excited to represent Ibex in the Canadian marketplace. Ibex is an iconic brand built for adventure and is a leader in innovative, sustainable merino wool products. AKA Account Manager Rob West has a Shak Jacket from 12 years ago, and I have an Ibex Merino top that I bought 15 years ago. It’s still a go-to piece in my outdoor kit. When we heard that Ibex was back, we knew this 2.0 version would be a natural fit for our retail partners and a great brand for our agency. We’re glad to be part of the team.”
Ibex also hired Awesome Outdoors Group to represent the brand in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Founded in 2013, the agency focuses on outdoor and run specialty and active lifestyle markets. Their territory includes D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The Group also represents Topo Designs, Qalo, Asolo, and 2UNDR.
Founder David Links said, “Awesome Outdoors Group has always been drawn to the intersection of iconic names and youthful consumers, and Ibex Merino nails it. Ibex is the OG Merino brand and offers the durability and sustainability that Millennial consumers are drawn to. As someone who has always loved Ibex Merino products, I am personally excited to be a part of reintroducing the brand to the wholesale market. We’ve got a great team in place and all the tools to make retailers and consumers fall in love all over again.”
Photo courtesy Ibex
