Kenneth Cole Productions is investing in new growth opportunities in Canada.
The company announced Friday that has signed an agreement with Haggar Canada Co., the Canadian arm of Texas-based Haggar Clothing Co., to manufacture, market and distribute men’s and women’s apparel and distribute men’s and women’s footwear effective October 2016.
Haggar Canada Co. will also begin to manufacture, market and distribute men’s tailored clothing for the Canadian market in 2017. The agreement covers labels Kenneth Cole Black Label, Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole and Unlisted, a Kenneth Cole Production.
Marc Schneider, Kenneth Cole Productions CEO, said the partnership supports the company’s “strategic global initiatives,” which includes the launch of Kenneth Cole free-standing stores across key markets in Canada planned for 2017.
Additionally, Kenneth Cole announced plans to extend its U.S. licensing agreement with Haggar Clothing Co. for men’s bottoms through 2021.
Michael Stitt, CEO of Haggar Clothing Co., said, “The extension of the U.S. agreement through 2021 allows us to invest in the product development and marketing necessary to continue the positive trajectory of this business. The new strategic partnership in Canada enables us to utilize our extensive Canadian infrastructure to drive significant incremental growth for both companies.”
Kenneth Cole’s new agreement with Haggar follows the expiration of the term of the men’s and women’s apparel license held by The Jaytex Group since 2002 and the men’s tailored clothing license held by Empire Clothing since 2004.
