By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Authentic Brands Group has partnered with Gardiner Bros (Gardiners) to relaunch the Sperry footwear brand across the UK and Ireland.
Per the terms of the licensing agreement, Gardiners has been named the official distribution partner for Sperry’s products throughout the two regions.
This includes the brand’s flagship range of high-quality boat shoes, as well as a variety of new and seasonal footwear offerings.
“We’re excited to partner with Authentic on Sperry, the original and iconic boat shoe brand,” said Gardiners chief product officer, Ben Gardiner. “Boat shoes are having a real resurgence, and we look forward to reintroducing timeless silhouettes alongside fresh new styles to customers in the UK and Ireland.”
Founded in 1935 by the American inventor Paul Sperry, Sperry is a heritage footwear brand that is known as the first brand to introduce a boat shoe to market.
Currently owned by Authentic Brands Group, Sperry has expanded into an international footwear label that is available in more than 12 countries worldwide.
This distribution partnership with Gardiner Bros will support Authentic’s ongoing global expansion strategy for the heritage shoe brand.
“With its rich history and growing cultural relevance, Sperry is a strong addition to our portfolio, and we’re excited to build on its success in these markets,” said Gardiner Bros marketing head, Emma Jefferies.
Founded in 1865, Gardiner Bros is a fifth generation, family-run business that specializes in distributing apparel, accessories and footwear products across the UK retail market.
Gardiner Bros currently distributes over 3.5 million items a year in partnership with global brands from the lifestyle, safety and fashion sectors.
“We’re proud to partner with Gardiners to introduce more consumers to Sperry’s storied heritage,” said Authentic president, Henry Stupp. “With their deep expertise in distribution and strong retail relationships, Gardiner is the ideal partner to accelerate Sperry’s growth in these key markets, bringing signature styles, like the iconic original boat shoe, to a new generation of consumers.”
Authentic Brands Group is a global company and IP platform that specializes in brand development, licensing, marketing, entertainment, digital content services and more.
Its extensive portfolio of lifestyle, entertainment and media brands are currently sold in more than a 150 countries around the world.
Image Courtesy of Authentic Brands Group.
WildBrain CPLG Expands Hasbro Licensing Partnership to France