07 Dec K-Swiss Appoints Canadian Distributor
K-Swiss Inc., the namesake brand of KSwiss Global Brands (KSGB), a division of E-Land, announced an exclusive footwear distribution agreement with the Mint Green Group (MGG), a leading Canadian sportslifestyle distributor, with decades of experience building U.S. and global brands in Canada.
The new partnership with MGG will serve as a renaissance for K-Swiss in Canada, as the brand continues to successfully grow market share in the U.S. and engage with millennials through the evolution of classic styles and the introduction of design collaborations with aspirational entrepreneurs like Gary Vaynerchuk and pop rock band DNCE.
“K-Swiss has broad brand awareness in Canada, and is known historically as one of the most storied sneaker brands in the world, so we have a very strong foundation upon which to grow,” said Barney Waters, global brand president at K-Swiss. “Mint Green has a solid track record of successfully building brands in Canada and we are excited to have them as partners.”
Founded in California in 1966 by two Swiss brothers and entrepreneurs, K-Swiss is a heritage American tennis brand, credited with designing the first all-leather tennis shoe over 50 years ago.
“Backed by over 50 years of history as a championship tennis shoe, K-Swiss has earned their spot as an iconic sneaker brand, both on and off the court,” said Joanne Fletcher, senior brand director at MGG.
“This next chapter in their story is all about blending the authenticity of their brand heritage with fresh, modern sneaker styles that can keep pace with the millennial lifestyle – particularly entrepreneurs – who want stylish, comfortable sneakers that can go all day, just like they do,” added Fletcher. “This next chapter in K-Swiss’ history has the potential to be their most memorable one yet, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”
The Fall 2018 Canadian assortment will include signature, court-style shoes, such as the Classic VN for men and women, updated classics with knit uppers, like the Heritage Light T, and sophisticated athletic sneakers that blend streetwear with office wear, including the Gen-K collection and the Donovan, both with design collaborations with Gary Vee and DNCE.
“We’ve seen Canadians respond very enthusiastically to the new styles and collaborations we’ve introduced through social media,” added Waters. “Our partnership with Mint Green will give us the focused effort we need in Canada to grow the brand and inspire and outfit the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.”