17 Mar Hollister will sell men’s sneakers
A few weeks ago, Abercrombie Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries told analysts that the New Albany-based retailer was planning to sell more merchandise from outside retailers in its stores, building on the success of Hollister’s sale of specially made Keds shoes.
The follow up came quickly, as Abercrombie launched a male footwear line last week designed exclusively for Hollister by California-based SeaVees.
The footwear line features signature Hollister colors on twill lace-up and slip-on sneakers.
The deal means that Hollister now offers not only flip-flops but “the quintessential California sneaker,” said Gillian Galner of Abercro, group vice president at Abercrombie.
The California angle is key to the deal because both Hollister and SeaVees promote their brands as essential parts of the “California dream” of surf, sun and fun. That makes the partnership “a natural,” said Steven Tiller, CEO and chief designer for SeaVees.
While it seems like a perfect fit, Abercrombie is moving cautiously with the shoes, selling them only online — at least initially — at HollisterCo.com, Abercrombie officials said.