Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has partnered with Ares Holdings, a South African brand distribution company, to strengthen Ted Baker’s presence in South Africa. In addition to Ted Baker, Ares has also acquired the exclusive distribution rights for Crocs, Birkenstock, Under Armour, Vans, and Hey Dude for the region.
Ares has reportedly established a successful business comprising of over 65 owned-retail stores, a network of over 2,500 wholesale doors and six owned e-commerce sites, according to a recent media release.
The partnership will see two new retail stores for the brand as Ares Holdings will take on the distribution of sportswear, tailored clothing, denim apparel, outwear and footwear for men and women. The stores, located in Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner and Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, are said to mark a significant milestone in Authentic’s strategy to expand Ted Baker’s global footprint.
“This partnership with Ares Holdings marks an exciting new chapter for Ted Baker in South Africa,” said Warren Bowers, GM, Africa, Authentic. “By combining Ted Baker’s brand DNA with Ares Holdings’ deep knowledge of the South African market, we’re creating exceptional shopping experiences for consumers in Johannesburg, Cape Town and beyond.”
Both stores will feature an extensive assortment of the Ted Baker Spring/Summer ’24 Collection, including options for both women and men, as well as the popular Ted Baker Icon bags.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Authentic to bring fresh energy to Ted Baker in South Africa. The two new retail spaces have come to life beautifully, showing off Ted’s quirky and unique character. There is no doubt that our customers are going to love shopping in these spaces,” commented Gareth Kemp, CEO, Ares Holdings.
Image courtesy Ares Holdings/Ted Baker Hyde Park
