Kenneth Cole announces footwear and handbag licensing agreement for EMEA with GBG Europe

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Mar 22, 2018

Kenneth Cole has entered into a four-year licensing deal with UK-based GBG Europe Footwear and Accessories Limited to distribute men's and women's footwear, and manufacture and distribute women's handbags in EMEA.

The agreement will initially cover Fall 2018 launches for Kenneth Cole in target cities London, Paris, Milan and Berlin. The agreement will introduce men's and women's Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole, and Gentle Souls footwear to the markets. Handbags under the Kenneth Cole New York and Reaction labels are slated to launch Spring 2019.

"We are looking forward to having a central European based partner who specializes in footwear and is able... [to serve] department stores and independent retailers in these regions," stated Marc Schneider, Kenneth Cole Productions Inc.'s Chief Executive Officer.

The agreement also gives GBG the right to manufacture and distribute briefcases, luggage, portfolios, backpacks, and small leather goods. The scope of the agreement covers Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Mike Hiscock of Global Brands Group Holding Limited said, "We believe that the Kenneth Cole brand has tremendous potential to resonate with consumers far beyond the levels it is currently reaching."

GBG plans to roll out the brand at department stores, independent retailers and also through e-commerce.

GBG is part of the Fung Group and owns licenses for a number of brands including Under Armour, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade New York and All Saints.