On the heels of the PGA TOUR's recent tournament expansion across Canada and Latin America, Perry Ellis International (PEI) is extending its license for PGA TOUR golf apparel into these exciting, untapped markets. With increased penetration further into the U.S., as well as designing, manufacturing and distributing PGA TOUR men's, ladies and boys' golf apparel throughout Canada and Latin America, the highly-recognizable golf brand promises to be stronger and more sought after than ever.
As previously reported in November 2012, PGA TOUR assumed operational control of what is now PGA TOUR Canada from the Canadian Professional Golf Tour, which will begin play in June. Building upon this international momentum, between PGA TOUR Canada's summer schedule and the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica's split spring-fall plan, players qualifying for both Tours will have the opportunity to play yearlong.
PGA TOUR Latinoamérica will play 15 tournaments in nine countries throughout Latin America in 2013 with stops in Uruguay, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Both Tours will conduct their own qualifying tournaments for membership.
Having proven to be the leader in the golf lifestyle business since it originally acquired the PGA TOUR apparel license for the U.S. in 2004, PEI has lengthened its agreements through 2017. In fact, Perry Ellis International remains the exclusive U.S. apparel licensee for the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, and Web.com Tour brands within department and chain store channels of distribution.
Products for PGA TOUR in Canada and PGA TOUR in Latin America will launch for spring 2013 across both regions. The golf lifestyle-inspired collection of apparel will include men's, women's and boys' shirts, outerwear, sweaters, pants and shorts.
"We are extremely excited to continue strengthening our existing relationship with the PGA TOUR, extending this powerful apparel brand into these promising new markets," stated Oscar Feldenkreis, president and chief operating officer of Perry Ellis International. "The PGA TOUR continues to gain huge momentum across both international and domestic markets and these agreements, designating Perry Ellis International as the sole PGA TOUR apparel distributor in the Western Hemisphere, further solidifies our global approach towards the entire golf lifestyle."
"Perry Ellis International has long been one of the most important lines in our mix of business," said Tim Hawes, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President of Retail Licensing. "We recognize them as one of the leading apparel marketers in the world. It is our intention to take this already substantial business to the next level in terms of volume and retail performance."
The new licensing agreements are additions to Perry Ellis International's growing portfolio of lifestyle products and powerhouse brands, furthering the company's leadership position in the golf apparel business. This extended licensing agreement allows PEI to leverage their renowned design and sourcing capabilities to meet the associated increase in distribution for the PGA TOUR.
"PGA TOUR has a precise understanding of what is necessary to successfully penetrate some of the most dynamic golf markets. It is well positioned for further success in the golf apparel arena," commented Jack Voith, group president Golf and Sportswear for Perry Ellis International. "With strong relationships and an excellent track record, Perry Ellis International will be able to serve the market opportunity in Canada and Latin America."
