Safilo Group renews exclusive Nine West eyewear licensing agreement

16/12/2008
Safilo Group, a worldwide leader in the high-end and luxury eyewear sector, today announced the renewal of its exclusive licensing agreement with Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY) to design, manufacture and market prescription eyeglass frames for women and children, as well as women's prescription sunglass frames for the optical market under the Nine West brand. The renewal, effective from January 1, 2009, will be for a three-year period with the possibility of the extension for a further three-year period if certain conditions are met, and includes distribution rights in the United States, its territories and possessions, Canada, China and Mexico. Safilo Group has been a licensee of the Nine West brand for prescription eyewear since 1998.

“Nine West has been recognized as the number one optical brand among women in terms of highest brand share in units*. The collection has been extremely well-received by the consumer since its inception 10 years ago and has continued to grow exponentially,” said Massimiliano Tabacchi, Executive Vice-Chairman of Safilo Group. “Our partnership with Jones Apparel Group and the Nine West brand has been an incredible and successful journey, which we are very pleased to continue.”

“Since its founding 30 years ago, Nine West has evolved from an American shoe label to a leading global brand that encompasses accessories, sportswear, denim and more. Safilo’s team has done a terrific job in conveying Nine West’s powerful brand message in the optical arena to resonate successfully with our consumer. We look forward to our continued collaboration and evolving the Nine West Eyewear collection to exceed our consumer’s expectations,” said Mary E. Belle, President of Licensing for Jones Apparel Group.

* source: Vision Watch by Jobson/VCA

Last update: 08/09/2009, 10:51