Original Penguin golf and tennis clothing is heading to the Australian and New Zealand wholesale and retail market.
Perry Ellis International and Walkingshaw Sports have signed an exclusive strategic partnership for the distribution of Original Penguin apparel made for people playing golf and tennis. Global brand ambassadors Cameron Smith and Ajla Tomljanović, who compete professionally in golf and tennis, respectively, continue to grow and endorse the brand in their home market.
Walkinshaw Sports will launch the brand into the market starting this month and will showcase Fall 2023 Golf and Spring 2024 Golf and Tennis collections for men and women.
“The new collections showcase dynamic prints, classic styling and technically advanced fabrics,” Perry Ellis said.
“We are excited to expand our global distribution and partner with Walkinshaw Sports, an established and recognized leader in sports apparel wholesale distribution,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, Perry Ellis president and CEO. “We are delighted that they will use their expertise and relationships to grow our footprint and penetration in the region to the delight of our brand fans and consumers.”
“The Penguin logo is iconic and comes with a rich history and heritage. Furthermore, the brand is even more relevant locally with it being endorsed by Australia’s highest ranked golfer and 2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith, plus tennis professional Ajla Tomljanović,” said Dan Harrap, Walkinshaw’s managing director.
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Minneapolis-based Munsingwear introduced the first iconic golf shirt—an Original Penguin—to America in 1955. The brand, which features namesake icon Pete the Penguin, is known for its humorous and detail-oriented clothing for men and children, as well as accessories and fragrances. Tennis and pickleball apparel are new to Original Penguin‘s offerings. Perry Ellis acquired Original Penguin in 1996. Other brands under the Perry Ellis umbrella include Perry Ellis, Cubavera, Ben Hogan, Savane, Grand Slam and John Henry, among others.
Walkinshaw is Australia’s largest multi-brand golf distributor. Its portfolio includes golf brands such as AFL, Clicgear, Cross Sportswear, Empower Golf, Motocaddy, Nancy Lopez and PGF, among others.