Macy’s is the latest retailer to get Reebok’s seal of approval.
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) on Tuesday said it firmed up a deal to bring more of the athletic label’s men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel to department store retailer’s digital and physical store shelves.
Consumers visiting Macy’s website, app and stores next spring will be able to shop the new Reebok assortment, including exclusive products. The brand’s Boston-based Reebok Design Group (RDG) is in charge of creating the merchandise for Macy’s.
Jarrod Weber, ABG’s lifestyle group president and chief brand officer, said the move underscores Reebok’s “resurgence.”
For Macy’s, the “partnership with ABG will expand our assortment and offer our customers high-quality styles from Reebok apparel in the U.S.,” said Sam Archibald, general business manager of apparel for the New York City-based retailer. “We look forward to collaborating with ABG and RDG on exclusive, one-of-a-kind product for our customers, who value brands that let them express their individual and authentic style.”
ABG has amassed a raft of partners since taking steps to acquire Reebok from Adidas. South Korean licensee LF Corp., New Guards Group, SportChek are some of the companies bringing Reebok to consumers around the globe.
WHP Global x Coupang x Lotto
Elsewhere on the licensing front, WHP Global said it signed an agreement with Coupang to distribute in South Korea curated collection from Lotto, the Italian brand making casual and performance wear. With nearly 18 million active customers, Coupang is the largest e-commerce player in South Korea, which is on track to lag just the U.S. and China in digital sales, WHP and Coupang said.
Founded in 1973, WHP in August acquired the intellectual property for the brand from Lotto Sport Italia S.p.A., gaining a foothold in its core markets of Italy, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Lotto’s network of more than 50 global partners generated $400 million-plus in annual worldwide retail sales for footwear, apparel and accessories. WHP’s Coupang deal marks the first step toward breaking Lotto into new markets and categories.
Other brands entering licensing arrangements this year include Kathy Ireland tapping Bagatelle for denim, outerwear and dresses. Gordon Brothers and IMG brought the Laura Ashley brand back into the fashion realm after the label went bankrupt in 2020. Deals with Next Plc and Batsheva have helped revive the iconic British nameplate.
And on Monday, G-III Apparel Group announced plans to completely own Karl Lagerfeld, with plans to grow the brand’s presence worldwide.