Skechers USA, Inc. has named Multigroup Corporation as the licensee for Skechers-branded infant, toddler and children's apparel in Canada. The collaboration follows on the heels of consumers' enthusiastic responses to Skechers' licensed children's apparel launched in American stores for back to school 2003.
“Our agreement with Multigroup was signed shortly after the success of our in-store launch with Kids Headquarters,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers USA. “Given the tremendous response to our Spring '04 children's apparel at MAGIC in August 2003 and as a key back-to-school line in domestic retail stores, as well as our direct distribution and management of the Skechers brand in Canada, it's a natural step for us to offer our branded product to our northern neighbors.”
Under the agreement, Multigroup will design, distribute and market children's sportswear and activewear in knit and woven sets and separates using select Skechers logos. Multigroup will also incorporate popular designs from Kids Headquarters, Skechers' children's clothing licensee in the United States. The apparel, which will be offered to boys and girls in newborn, toddler and youth sizes, will be available through major department stores and children's specialty stores in Canada.
“We are extremely impressed with the Skechers brand and its ability to meet the footwear needs of the entire family while still being perceived as hip,” said Dan Elituv, president of Multigroup. “We are equally impressed with their licensing ventures, especially the Skechers Kids apparel line in the United States. We believe we can extend the success of their children's line to the Canadian marketplace where there is definitely a need for a `cool' kids brand.”
“Multigroup's reputation for quality and collaborations with major companies such as Disney, Warner Bros., Levi Strauss and Calvin Klein make them an ideal partner for Skechers-branded apparel,” added Faith Wall, vice president of licensing at Skechers USA. “They have proven success with children's products, share our large-scale vision, and understand the strategic approach we're taking to expanding the brand.”
Skechers' diverse offering of athletic, casual and dress casual styles for boys and girls have become a significant part of the brand's domestic business and a key factor in its international success. Designed with unique and colorful upper treatments including takedowns of popular adult styles, the Skechers Kids footwear line is available at major department and specialty stores in the United States and select global markets.
In addition to Kids Headquarters, Skechers currently has licensing agreements with Renfro Corporation for Skechers-branded socks; Advance Group Inc. for men's and women's Skechers Sport watches; Garson International for Skechers Collection men's jackets and coats; Federal Jeans, Inc. for Somethin' Else from Skechers junior sportswear apparel in the United States and Canada; L'Koral Industries for Michelle K women's apparel; and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. for men's and women's apparel in Japan.
