Brown Shoe Company, Inc. has reached agreement with Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation for an exclusive, long-term license to design, source and market footwear at wholesale under PVH's well-known Bass label. The arrangement is expected to become effective in early February.
“We are extremely enthusiastic about this new licensing partnership,” said Bruce J. Klatsky, PVH Chairman and CEO. “We believe that Brown Shoe's expertise and passion for footwear design, and its leadership in footwear marketing, will allow us to further strengthen the Bass brand, and gain market share across key categories.”
The Bass brand is known for its “easy American style” of penny loafers (Weejun's), outdoor shoes and boots for men, women and children. Founded in 1876 by George Henry Bass, the Bass label has legendary status in the footwear industry and a reputation for top-quality, heritage-inspired styles. Brown Shoe was founded just two years later in 1878, by George Warren Brown, and recently has experienced great success in revitalizing its Naturalizer and LifeStride brands.
“The Bass label is a terrific fit for us,” said Brown Shoe Chairman and CEO Ron Fromm. “It strengthens our footwear brand portfolio, while leveraging our vast sourcing infrastructure and wholesale relationships with department stores and specialty stores. It also greatly strengthens our offering in branded men's footwear, and gives us an entry into the casual/outdoor categories. The Bass women's product will nicely complement our Naturalizer and LifeStride brands, while the Bass Kids label will add to our Buster Brown & Co. Kids' Division.”
Brown Shoe will work closely with the Bass teams to ensure a smooth transition of the brand. Brown Shoe intends to show the Bass line at the WSA February footwear market in Las Vegas.
