Fitflop announces distribution partners to support global expansion plans
FitFlop today announced its partnership with multiple new global distributors in a bid to boost its global growth.
These strategic partnerships will enable FitFlop to enter new markets and elevate the level of service provided to its retail partners by having a local presence through a reliable partner with a keen interest to grow and develop the brand.
Going global…
FitFlop has partnered with Slavin+Raphael based in Toronto to develop the brand in Canada and elevate its local service levels.
Albion 1879, a new distributor for Spain provides the business with a dedicated focus on lifestyle distribution. ORBICO has joined the FitFlop distributor network to cover key markets across Eastern Europe. The Fais Group has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria & Romania, and the brand has partnered with Baltic Street Distribution to introduce the FitFlop brand to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
The brands successful partnership with Central Retail will expand its reach to now include Vietnam next to its existing business in Thailand. The business is currently finalising further projects to push its growth forward and unlock the global FitFlop opportunity.
David Schüttenkopf, Chief Commercial Officer of FitFlop, comments: “FitFlop has launched its journey of growth and we have set ourselves an ambitious commercial plan for the years ahead. This strategic plan touches on all channels and global regions. We are accelerating our direct-to-consumer business, fast-tracking our wholesale proposition, and have identified our key strategic markets as well throughout the distributor channel.
“At the same time, we have reviewed our brand presence with important markets still representing white space for FitFlop. We are therefore very excited to announce that we have entered new strategic partnerships with true market leaders and lifestyle experts across the globe”.
Steven Slavin, President of Slavin+Raphael, comments: “I have been an admirer of the FitFlop brand for the past 15 years, and the incredible journey of Marcia Kilgore (Founder). When a mutual business colleague introduced David Schüttenkopf to us, we immediately knew the stars were aligned….to join forces with FitFlop and the next chapter of their strategic growth in the Canadian marketplace. There are very few Global brands that have a true story of Form + Function. FitFlop combines the perfect elements of Biomechanics and Fashion. As the wellness and comfort category continues to dominate many of the conversations with our retailers and consumers…we are incredibly excited to tell this product story to our retail partners across Canada.”
Nigel White, CEO of Albion, comments: “We love FitFlop’s philosophy and the innovative products they have created to bring the concept of wellness to our consumers. FitFlop manages to put a new twist on fashion by adding science and biomechanics to their footwear collections for better living. This unique union of style and science has won us over and we are convinced of the added value we will bring to our customers with this new addition to our Brand portfolio. We are especially excited to work with this great team with whom we share a strategic vision and a great passion for this industry”.
Andrew Fairfall, President, Sports & Lifestyle of Central Retail Vietnam, comments: “Central Retail Vietnam is proud to welcome FitFlop into our esteemed portfolio of international brands. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing our customers with exceptional footwear options that seamlessly blend style and comfort. FitFlop’s renowned reputation for innovation and quality aligns perfectly with our mission to offer premium products and unforgettable shopping experiences. Together with the great team at FitFlop, we are excited to foster the growth of the brand in Vietnam and create remarkable milestones together.”
The news comes shortly after FitFlop secured a new 5-year $30 million revolving credit facility from the independent lender AURELIUS Finance Company (AFC) to support its long-term growth ambitions.
