SKECHERS signed a licensing agreement to design, develop and market men's footwear worldwide for the premier action sport lifestyle brand Zoo York. The agreement is the latest milestone in the successful growth of Zoo York, which, under parent company Marc Ecko, has emerged as a prominent lifestyle brand in the lucrative extreme and board sport industries.
“Zoo York has a firm foothold in a number of very tight, exclusive markets,” said Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. “The brand's credibility has grown beyond its roots among New York graffiti artists and skateboarders to include BMX, motocross and board sport enthusiasts, as well as aspirational consumers who desire that lifestyle. We believe this is an exceptional opportunity for SKECHERS to enter a new consumer and account base — appearing in skate and surf shops and building our offering in specialty and high-end department stores.”
Greenberg added: “We are pleased with accounts' initial reactions at WSA's The Shoe Show and MAGIC last month, where we debuted men's Zoo York product. Seeing the growth potential with this leading action sports brand, some key accounts have already gotten on board.”
“Zoo York is a decade into its reign as highly respected skate apparel. Known for its bold style and skateboarding, graffiti and hip hop influences, it's become a major force in streetwear — and shoes are a natural evolution, especially in the skate market,” said Marci Tapper, president of Zoo York. “With SKECHERS' success in the urban, fashion and athletic markets, we believe it's the perfect company for Zoo York to make an even bigger impact in the skate industry as a complete lifestyle brand.”
Designed to reflect and appear alongside its popular apparel lines, Zoo York footwear for men is slated for a Back-to-School 2006 launch in the United States and select countries around the globe. SKECHERS also has the rights to Zoo York footwear for women and kids.
SKECHERS' partnership with Zoo York follows the Company's successful introduction of three brands for Marc Ecko: the athletic casual brands Unltd. by Marc Ecko for men/boys and Rhino Red Footwear for women/girls in 2004, and the recently introduced fashion brand Red by Marc Ecko Footwear for women.
