Kenneth Cole Expands EMEA Footprint

EMEA–Kenneth Cole Productions has inked a four-year global distribution agreement with manufacturer GBG Europe Footwear and Accessories for the EMEA region.

April 5, 2018

GBG Europe Footwear and Accessories is on board to distribute Kenneth Cole-branded accessories including luggage, footwear and handbags throughout EMEA.

EMEA–Kenneth Cole Productions has inked a four-year global distribution agreement with manufacturer GBG Europe Footwear and Accessories for the EMEA region.

Under the terms of the agreement, GBG will distribute men’s and women’s footwear as well as distribute and manufacture women’s handbags in select countries across EMEA. The footwear deal will focus on the men’s and women’s Kenneth Cole New York and Reaction Kenneth Cole as well as Women’s Gentle Souls brands and will target cities including London, Paris, Milan, and Berlin. The footwear ranges are set to debut this fall.

Meanwhile, a new line of women’s handbags will be manufactured and distributed under the Kenneth Cole New York and Reaction Kenneth Cole labels, and will launch in spring 2019. The agreement also gives GBG Europe Footwear and Accessories the rights to manufacture and distribute briefcases, luggage, portfolios, backpacks and small leather goods under the Kenneth Cole label.

“We are looking forward to having a central European

based partner who specializes in footwear and is able to offer best-in-class service to department stores and independent retailers in these regions,” says Marc Schneider, chief executive officer, Kenneth Cole. “We are excited about this partnership and the growth opportunities it affords us in these categories of our business.”