The New York-based Concept One Accessories has inked an exclusive distribution agreement with New Balance for bags and luggage in the US.
Concept One is an international distributor with offices in New York, Mexico and China along with a partnership in Canada and a London-based design studio.
The distribution agreement with Grown Up Licenses of Hong Kong covers New Balance branded bags and luggage, including athletic backpacks and duffels, as well as lifestyle bags for men, women, and children.
“We’ve had our eye on the New Balance brand for several years now” Sam Hafif, CEO of Concept One Accessories, “The brand is enjoying incredible momentum off of its powerful marketing campaigns, and high end collaborations. It has quickly become the most aspirational of the large athletic brands in our market.”
The line features the NB signature logo, and brand elements from the footwear such as suede details, and neutral color pallets, and was developed in collaboration with the Grown Up and New Balance design teams. The initial launch of the line through Concept One will be during the back to school period of 2022, and is targeting key New Balance retail accounts such as Urban Outfitters and Dicks Sporting Goods.
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, is a premiere athletic brand that has manufactured its products in the US for more than 75 years, and has built up a strong global market. New Balance owns and operates four factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 7,000 associates around the globe and in 2020 reported worldwide sales of $3.3 billion.
Grown Up Licenses is a leading manufacturer of bags, luggage, containers, and accessories for the global market. It holds the license for bags with New Balance, as well as several other top global brands like Caterpillar, LEGO and Ellehammer, among others.