Nike, Inc. is realizing more synergies in its global multi-brand strategy, announcing Thursday that Converse will partner with Hurley to produce Hurley footwear beginning with the Spring/Summer 2006 season. Converse and Hurley will collaborate together on design and development, leveraging Converse's strength and operational expertise in the category. Hurley will handle brand strategy, design and marketing from its Southern California headquarters.
This partnership will showcase Converse's continual progression and innovation within the footwear industry and allows Hurley to provide consumers with a complete brand experience by expanding its footwear collection to complement the brand's other successful offerings in apparel, swimwear, eyewear and accessories.
The Hurley Spring/Summer 2006 line will feature a focused selection of styles which embodies Hurley's passion and commitment to give youth a voice, reflecting Hurley's unique passion for art, music, fashion and its deep roots in the surf and skate culture. The line consists of beach sandals, vulcanized rubber, modern skate shoes, and casual youth fashion.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted a pair of Converse. A great American brand,” commented Bob Hurley, CEO. “We are really excited to collaborate with the Converse team. Hurley is looking forward to providing some great product to the kids we love serving.”
The line also features a special Hurley designed Limited Edition Converse Chuck Taylor All Star that reflects a thoughtful collaboration of the two brands. The entire line will be represented and distributed globally by Converse to better independents and specialty retail stores.
Converse and Hurley are both fully owned subsidiaries of Nike Inc.
