STARTER STEPS INTO THE FOOTWEAR MARKET WITH NEW LICENSEE
Brand management company Iconix Brand Group, Inc. has signed a new three-year licensing agreement with Genesco Inc. to be the exclusive US and Canadian footwear licensee for STARTER, the iconic premium athletic brand. The deal includes a three-year renewal option, which would extend the partnership through December 31, 2027. Iconix is excited to enter this fast-growing market.
“Genesco is the perfect partner to help Iconix further grow and maximize the STARTER brand,” said Robert Galvin, chief executive officer, president, and a member of the board of directors at Iconix Brand Group, Inc. “STARTER has been part of the sports and fashion landscape for almost five decades and as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, entering the footwear market will allow us to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for heritage brands.”
Genesco, a Nashville-based specialty retailer and branded company, has been a leader in the footwear industry for over 9 decades. With a reputation for producing high quality, innovative styles with a sharp attention to detail, Genesco has produced outerwear for many top brand names, such as Levi’s, Dockers, and Bass. The STARTER brand brings to Genesco new sources of revenue as they partner up to join forces on the retro/heritage brand footwear trends that are dominating the industry. The STARTER brand is one of the most iconic global sports brands in history. The brand pioneered the fusion of sports clothing with popular culture, including logo apparel, and continues to produce apparel that honors its heritage and emphasizes quality and style. Genesco will design and manufacture the STARTER brand footwear for men, women, and kids with MSRPs ranging from $49 – $150.
“We are excited to partner with Iconix on the STRARTER brand” said Andy Gilbert, President of Genesco Licensed Brands. “STARTER’s authentic sports positioning combined with its affiliation with all major Pro and College sports leagues, created a tremendous platform for the extension into footwear.”
The new line of footwear is planned to launch in sports and shoe specialty stores by Spring 2022.