LOWA has acquired distribution rights to the Tecnica Outdoor Footwear Division for the U.S. market, effective January 1, 2008. The division encompasses both Tecnica hiking boots and T-Shoes urban adventure travel footwear. Under terms of the agreement, Tecnica USA will fulfill all re-order sales during the transition period from June 1 through December 31. LOWA will concentrate on marketing and selling the two brands’ spring 2008 collections starting at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

Both Tecnica and LOWA said they are are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition for existing retailers.

The LOWA and Tecnica brands are owned by The Tecnica Group, based in Giavera, Italy.

“Combining distribution of these brands in the U.S. will provide measurable efficiencies in sales, accounting, warehousing and customer service,” commented Peter Sachs, general manager of LOWA Boots in the U.S. “By capitalizing on synergies between LOWA, Tecnica and T-Shoes, I believe that this new distribution agreement will enhance the growth of all three brands while allowing Tecnica USA to concentrate on their formidable Ski Boot and Après Ski Boot Divisions. It will be a win-win for all involved.” LOWA also just took over distribution rights to the Italian X-Socks brand, further strengthening their reach in the outdoor and footwear markets. All products will be headquartered out of LOWA’s Stamford, Connecticut offices and warehouse.

LOWA and Tecnica outdoor footwear and Tecnica T-Shoes will be sold through the following sales groups:

  • Scott Heald and Andy Shaw – New England
  • Andy Correll and Paul Wu – New York and Mid Atlantic
  • Phil Flammand, Billy Turner, Chris Roberts, Scott Perkins and David Rohe – Southeast
  • Mark Waddle and Elizabeth Dell – Eastern Great Lakes
  • Bruce Marsh – Western Great Lakes
  • Mark Adamson – Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma
  • Lynn Quackenbush and Chad Gallwitz – Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming
  • Dan Hill – Arizona, Nevada and California
  • Gordon Lehmann – Pacific Northwest