Designer Brands, Inc., the parent of DSW, announced an investment in and licensing agreement with Le Tigre, the American athletic apparel brand famous in the 1980s.
Designer Brands will design and produce Le Tigre footwear to be sold primarily through DSW and The Shoe Company direct-to-consumer stores, .com channels, select wholesale accounts, and leTigreglobal.com.
The investment supports Designer Brands’ plan to double sales of owned brands by 2026.
Designer Brands’ portfolio includes ownership, licensing, partnerships, and customized agreements, including Vince Camuto, Reebok, Hush Puppies, Jessica Simpson, Crown Vintage, JLO Jennifer Lopez, Mix No. 6, Lucky Brand, and Kelly & Katie.
The company said the addition of Le Tigre and the recently announced partnership with Reebok allows it to grow its owned brand share in the athletic category.
“Le Tigre has been a loved American apparel brand since 1977,” said Bill Jordan, Designer Brands’ president. “Its unique style is the perfect addition to our growing portfolio of Owned Brands that customers have come to expect.”
Since 2017, the Le Tigre brand has been owned and managed by joint venture investment partners and brand licensing company Infinity Brands and Hilco, Inc., which operates as Le Tigre 360 Global, LLC., which expanded the business through a premium retail distribution strategy focused on the Millennial consumer.
“Le Tigre 360 Global is thrilled about the strategic partnership with Designer Brands, Inc.,” said Ike S. Franco, Infinity Brands’ CEO. “As a leader in footwear, they will undoubtedly bring inspiring and unique designs to the marketplace, producing and delivering the highest quality products and engaging a large multi-generational audience that will significantly expand the brand’s footprint.”
Logo courtesy Le Tigre
