R.G. Barry Corporation has entered into an agreement with BasicNet S.p.A. of Turin, Italy, through BasicNets U.S. affiliate, Basic Properties America, Inc., to become the exclusive licensee in the United States and, beginning in July 2008, in Canada for the Superga brand of canvas/active fashion footwear.
Superga is a leading European lux brand in the canvas/active fashion footwear category. It currently enjoys an exclusive and limited North American exposure in premier department stores and footwear boutiques.
“The acquisition of the Superga license is a natural continuation of our long-term growth strategy,” said Greg Tunney, Chief Executive Officer and President of R.G. Barry Corporation. “The canvas/active fashion footwear category is growing, and the depth of resources available to us through our collaboration with Superga will allow us to quickly enter this important segment with an internationally-known brand. Although the Superga name is relatively unknown in North America, in the minds of many Western European consumers it is on par with other leading international luxury footwear and accessory brands.
“Another benefit for us is the seasonal nature of the canvas/active fashion footwear business. With peak sales in this category occurring in the spring and summer seasons, we believe that Superga products will be a good counter-balance to the seasonality of our current core business,” Mr. Tunney said.
“We plan to continue to build upon Supergas existing relationships with premier department stores and footwear boutiques in North America,” added Thomas JZ Konecki, R.G. Barry Corporation Senior Vice President Sales, Licensing and Business Development. “We think that the Superga brand has the ability to provide us with additional growth in what for us is an entirely new and very exciting area of the accessory footwear business.”
“After an initial conservative introduction in the American market, we have now reached an important agreement with a primary group having a relevant structure both from a sales and a customer service perspective,” said Franco Spalla, President of Basic Properties America Inc. “Considering the importance of the North American market, we are sure R.G. Barry Corporation is the right partner for us. They offer the financial resources and experience for both the sales development and intensive marketing activities necessary to correctly build up the Superga brand in America.”
The Superga footwear brand was founded in Italy in 1911. The companys original specialty was rubber-soled footwear bearing the brands unique logo. As its business grew, Superga added vulcanized constructions and a variety of styles that spanned a broad spectrum of the marketplace from fashion to traditional classic. The brand is widely known in Europe as the “Peoples Shoes of Italy.” BasicNet S.p.A. has been the licensee of the Superga name since 2004, and it recently executed an agreement to purchase the Superga trademark.
