manager_1 Reebok continues its expansion with its parent company Authentic Brands Group, (ABG). Reebok has signed a strategic partnership agreement with JD Group to bring the sportswear brand to its stores.
Reebok will now be available through the new partnership with the multi-channel global group at 2,850 JD Group retail stores and via its e-commerce platforms. All banners of the company, in North America as well as Europe, are covered by the agreement, including JD and Finish Line, Shoe Palace and Size?, Sprinter, and SportZone.
Reebok Design Group (RDG) will source products for the brand. It is the global hub for design and development and also the supplier of core product categories and services to global partners.
Jamie Salter (founder, chairman, and CEO of ABG) said in a statement that “JD is a great addition to our strategic network. JD’s increased support for Reebok and their commitment to carrying it in their stores in North America, Europe and North America speaks volumes about the brand’s cultural influence. This partnership consolidates Reebok’s position as an important global retailer.”
ABG recently partnered up with India’s Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, which grants the firm exclusive rights for Reebok products to be distributed and sold in India. ABFRL also partnered with RDG to develop products for India.
“We look forward maximizing Reebok’s potential through building on the brand’s amazing heritage.”
This new partnership is part ABG’s ongoing global Reebok strategy. It aims to build a network core operating partners that will drive international growth for the brand. After Adidas’ sale of Reebok in August, the group announced that it would acquire the brand. The deal is expected to close during the first quarter 2022.
Peter Cowgill (executive chairman of JD) stated that Reebok is an iconic brand in global lifestyle and has strong resonance across all JD channels. ABG will be introducing new products to JD’s legacy customers and JD’s growing Gen Z audience. “Reebok fits perfectly into our sports and active lifestyle verticals. We look forward to maximising Reebok’s potential by building upon the brand’s amazing heritage.”
JD expects that the expanded Reebok range will be available to various group banners in autumn 2022. Reebok will be available in all channels across North America, Europe.
