Le coq sportif, the French sport brand acquired by the Swiss investment fund Airesis in 2006, continues to expand its international business and exposure. The company has re-acquired the U.S. apparel/footwear/accessories distribution from Itochu International and opened a North American subsidiary with offices located in Portland, Ore. Tim McCool, a former adidas and Nike executive, has joined the LCS team to lead the North American subsidiary.
Le coq sportif sadi they realize they need a management team that has the experience and understanding of both the sports and fashion sectors of the U.S. marketplace, coupled with the marketing, sales, and distribution knowledge necessary to grow and nurture a marquee brand. Mr. McCool brings 25 years experience with Nike, Reebok, and more recently, adidas, where he led the U.S. distribution strategies in both the Sport and Heritage divisions. LCS said his understanding of market segmentation, consumer buying behaviors, product and product differentiation will be extremely beneficial in order to develop the sport elegance / adrenaline divisions (sport specialty and resort trade channels), as well as the fashion division targeting the trendy urban markets.
The first priorities for leq coq sportif North America will be to establish an independent sales organization with the experience to launch both the elegance / adrenaline divisions, and the fashion division. This search is being done immediately.
The company plans to introduce its product and marketing strategy for Spring 2008 retail at the August Project show in both NY (July 22 24th), and Las Vegas (August 27th 29th).
