Iconix Brand Group Steps into the Footwear Market with New Starter Licensee

A new line of footwear will launch in sports and shoe specialty stores by spring 2022.

September 22, 2021

Brand management company Iconix Brand Group has signed a new three-year licensing agreement with Genesco to be the exclusive U.S. and Canadian footwear licensee for the athletic brand Starter. The deal includes a three-year renewal option, which would extend the partnership through Dec. 31, 2027.

“Genesco is the perfect partner to help Iconix further grow and maximize the Starter brand,” says Robert Galvin, chief executive officer, president and member of the board of directors, Iconix Brand Group. “Starter has been part of the sports and fashion landscape for almost five decades and as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, entering the footwear market will allow us to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for heritage brands.”

Genesco, a Nashville-based specialty retailer and branded company, has been in the footwear industry for over nine decades, producing outerwear for many top brand names, such as Levi’s, Dockers and Bass. The Starter brand brings to Genesco new sources of revenue

as they partner on retro/heritage brand footwear trends. Genesco will design and manufacture the Starter brand footwear for men, women and kids.

“We are excited to partner with Iconix on the Starter brand,” says Andy Gilbert, president, Genesco Licensed Brands. “Starter’s authentic sports positioning combined with its affiliation with all major pro and college sports leagues, created a tremendous platform for the extension into footwear.”