Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation has signed an agreement with Weihai Dishang Fashion Brands, a subsidiary of China’s Dishang Group, for the rights to market a full array of Izod brand men’s and women’s sportswear, footwear and accessories in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao.

Dishang will establish more than 1,000 points of sale, including shop-in-shops and 500-plus Izod brand stores, during its initial five-year term. Dishang has opened its first four Izod stores in China in Beijing, Shanghai, Weihai and Zinzhuang.

The agreement includes the right to use all Izod sub-brands including Izod PFX and Izod Golf. Product categories include tops, casual pants and shorts, jeans, sweaters, unconstructed blazers, outerwear, swimwear, casual footwear, dresses, skirts, shapewear, travel kits and wallets.

“We expect the active, energetic personality of the Izod brand to be a natural fit as consumers in the world's most populous nation and its neighbors increasingly express themselves through credible fashion brands,” says Allen Sirkin, president and chief operating officer of Phillips-Van Heusen. “Our alliance with Dishang, following our recent move into India and adjacent markets, positions the Izod brand to make a meaningful statement through Asia. Dishang’s enormous vertical capabilities make it an ideal partner for this important venture and opportunity.”