Spyder is one of the most successful sportswear brands in the world, to the extent that it’s hard to spend five minutes on a ski hill without seeing dozens of people sporting the distinctive Spyder logo.
But the brand’s owner Authentic Brands Group believes more can be done to help Spyder grow as a brand around the world. For that reason, ABG says it is transitioning the core licenses to Liberated Brands, in a partnership with Volcom.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Liberated Brands on Spyder,” said Corey Salter, COO of ABG. “We’ve had a successful three-year relationship with them growing Volcom’s presence around the world and look forward to continuing the process with Spyder.”
Through the long-term agreement, Liberated Brands will assume outerwear and apparel sourcing, product design, marketing, wholesale, e-commerce and retail store operations across the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Russia and select territories in the European Union.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Spyder to the Liberated Brands operation,” said Todd Hymel, CEO of Liberated Brands. “Together with ABG, our shared vision is to expand the robust Spyder universe to further encompass all omnichannel touchpoints, from digital and e-commerce to traditional bricks and mortar, while continuing to offer customers the ultimate shopping experience.”
Spyder and Volcom Are Teaming Up On Sportswear Licensing And Retail
Liberated Brands is a strategic partnership between ABG and the Volcom management team. Like Spyder, Volcom is one of the world’s most popular brands for outdoor activities like surfing, skateboarding and snow sports. As the dedicated operating platform for Volcom, Liberated Brands brings its capabilities in brand building, technical design, specialized retail, athlete ambassadors, action sports marketing and e-commerce. They also operate over 100 Volcom-branded stores around the world.
Essentially, Spyder and Volcom are teaming up on Sportswear Licensing and Retail on a global basis, while leaning on the expertise and contacts of Liberated Brands. Hymel says Liberated Brands intends to leverage the expertise and know-how it has built over the last decade with Volcom to continue the expansion of Spyder into a full four-season business, and broaden its global footprint.
In doing so, the company will have big ski boots to fill. Spyder has been the exclusive official apparel partner of the U.S. Ski Team since 1989 and Volcom signed on as the official apparel partner of the U.S. Snowboarding Team in 2019. “As brands with deep roots in active and outdoor, there are a lot of synergies between Spyder and Volcom in terms of design innovation, distribution, content creation and athlete alliances,” Hymel said.
The deal means Spyder’s business operations will transition to Liberated Brands, and the Spyder team will continue to be headquartered in Boulder, Colo.
Spyder is currently available in over 150 direct-to-consumer retail outposts globally as well as department stores, sporting goods stores and specialty retailers throughout North America, Europe, Middle East, South Korea and China.
Authentic Brands Also Appointing New Licensing Partners For Footwear Brand Frye
In addition to the strategic move for Spyder, ABG also plans to appoint new license partners for Frye, with an initial focus on securing a footwear partner with the expertise to uphold the brand’s long-term strategy and legacy.
Established in 1863, Frye has inspired generations with its iconic silhouettes, fine craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. ABG believes that with consumers’ renewed interest in Western culture, Frye’s unique heritage and enduring products have the ability to translate into a variety of lifestyle categories. ABG’s goal is to continue to place an emphasis on Frye’s leading position in footwear, small leather goods, accessories, hosiery and outerwear, while expanding into apparel, workwear and home, as well as growing the brand’s Frye & Co. and Frye Supply labels.
Anyone interested in licensing or business opportunities with Spyder can contact Todd Hymel: thymel@Volcom.com or (949) 999-6355.
Those interested in opportunities with Fry can contact Corey Salter, corey@authenticbrands.com or (646) 430-8252.
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