Athleisure lifestyle brand expands into new categories including hosiery/legwear and footwear.

Fam Brands has partnered with GCE International to extend its activewear brand Marika, as well as its sister brand The Balance Collection, into additional categories.

GCE International will now create, market and distribute a range of women’s and girls’ performance socks, slipper socks, legwarmers and tights for both brands. Meanwhile, the Marika brand will also expand into casual accessory footwear including slippers, open toe sandals and flip flops.

This is the first licensing deal for The Balance Collection.

The new branded merchandise is set to hit stores throughout North America in the middle of 2017.

“We are thrilled to be working with GCE International,” says John Spotts, executive vice president, international and licensing, Fam Brands. “They are not only one of the largest and most experienced hosiery and legwear companies in North America, but they have a substantial and enviable reputation in the marketplace. Their ability to manufacture, market and distribute Marika and The Balance Collection legwear successfully is evident and we are excited about getting started.”