Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which reached an agreement to acquire Reebok in August, announced a new strategic partnership with the JD Group (JD). Through the long-term agreement, JD will carry Reebok apparel and footwear in more than 2,850 of its company-owned stores and websites.
The agreement covers all the banners in the JD Group in North America and Europe including JD, Finish Line, DTLR, Shoe Palace, Size?, Sprinter and SportZone. Products will be sourced from Reebok Design Group (“RDG”), the global brand hub for Reebok based in Boston.
Jamie Salter, founder, chairman, CEO of ABG, said, “It’s an honor to welcome JD to our strategic network of retail partners who are committed to supporting Reebok’s brand integrity, vision and values. JD’s expanded support of Reebok as well as their new commitment to carrying the brand in their stores in North America and Europe speaks volumes to the brand’s cultural influence. This partnership solidifies Reebok’s position with an important global retailer.”
Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD, said, “Reebok is an iconic global lifestyle brand with strong resonance across all JD channels and we are thrilled to partner with ABG to introduce new and exciting products to our legacy customers and JD’s growing Gen Z audience. Reebok fits squarely into our sports and active lifestyle verticals, and we look forward to maximizing Reebok’s potential by building on the brand’s incredible heritage.”
JD anticipates the rollout of an expanded Reebok assortment across its Group banners to begin in Fall 2022. The partnership between ABG and JD is non-exclusive and the first in the regions. Reebok will continue to be sold in all current channels, including direct-to-consumer, and other wholesale accounts across North America and Europe.
The transfer of ownership of the Reebok brand from Adidas to ABG is expected to close in Q1 of 2022.
Logo courtesy Reebok
