Urban Outfitters Inc.,a leading lifestyle specialty retail company,is pleased to announce an exclusive distribution and marketing agreement with World Co.,Ltd.(headquartered in Kobe,Japan)for its Free People brand in Japan.
"We are excited to partner with World Co.,Ltd to help us expand the Free People brand in Japan,"said Chief Executive Officer,Richard A.Hayne.
"Free People designs compelling merchandise with a strong lifestyle message,and World brings deep expertise and a track record of marketing success in Japan.Together we expect to build the same customer awareness and brand loyalty in the Japanese Market that Free People currently enjoys domestically,finished Mr.Hayne."
"We are thrilled to be Free People's partner in Japan,"said Hidezo Terai,World Co.,Ltd Chief Executive Officer.
"Our two companies and people share many cultural values,including a focus on customer and respect for creativity.From this foundation I am confident together we will be successful in pleasing the Free People customer in Japan,finished Mr.Terai."
The multi-year agreement with World Co.,Ltd.will mark URBN's first full-scale entry into the Japanese market,and is expected to commence with the Free People brand's spring 2013 collection.Under the agreement,World Co.,Ltd will have the right to distribute merchandise through shop-in-shop locations,a stand-alone store,direct-to-consumer sites,distribute to specialty store and department store wholesale accounts,and market the brand throughout Japan.
Free People is a specialty clothing brand featuring the latest trends and collections for women who live free through fashion,art,music and travel.The eclectic offering consists of quality apparel,shoes,and accessories that,through its design invoke femininity and creativity.
Urban Outfitters,Inc.is an innovative specialty retail company which offers a variety of lifestyle merchandise to highly defined customer niches through 208 Urban Outfitters stores in the United States,Canada,and Europe.
World Co.,Ltd is a specialty-store retailer of private label women's,men's and kids apparel with headquarters in Kobe,Japan.
