Marika, a fast growing activewear and athleisure lifestyle brand, will expand into additional categories via a new licensing arrangement with legwear and hosiery company GCE International Inc.
Marika, founded in 1982 and acquired by Fam Brands in 2008, along with its sister brand The Balance Collection, will also undergo a new licensing term, which is the first arrangement for this brand.
Fam Brands announced the deal this week and expects product to start flowing into stores throughout North America in the middle of 2017.
John Spotts, EVP of international and licensing, said, “We are thrilled to be working with GCE International Inc. They are not only one of the largest and most experienced hosiery and legwear companies in North America, but they have a substantial and enviable reputation in the marketplace. Their ability to manufacture, market and distribute Marika and The Balance Collection legwear successfully is evident and we are excited about getting started.”
Both Marika and The Balance Collection will now include women’s and girls’ performance socks, slipper socks, legwarmers and tights. The Marika licensing agreement also extends into casual accessory footwear inclusive of slippers, open toe sandals and flips flops.
The Marika brand legwear products will be constructed using performance yarns that will capture the core functional attributes and contemporary styling found within the existing activewear collection. The addition of casual footwear in the brand offering will provide appropriate product solutions for both the active and athleisure lifestyles, the company believes.
Photo courtesy Marika
