Designer Brands inks footwear licensing deal with Le Tigre

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Jul 13, 2022

Designer Brands on Tuesday announced an investment in and licensing agreement with Le Tigre 360 Global, operator of Le Tigre, as the footwear firm looks to build upon its portfolio and double sales of 'Owned Brands' by 2026.

Under the new deal, Designer Brands will exclusively design and produce Le Tigre footwear to be sold primarily through its DSW and The Shoe Company direct-to-consumer stores and online channels, in addition to select wholesale accounts and through letigreglobal.com.

The Columbus, Ohio-based company said the addition of Le Tigre to its portfolio of Owned Brands allows the company to share premium athletic product with its customers and boost sales ahead of 2026.

"Le Tigre has been a loved American apparel brand since 1977," said Bill Jordan, Designer Brands president. "Its unique style is the perfect addition to our growing portfolio of Owned Brands that customers have come to expect. We are excited to have yet another way to inspire self-expression."

Since 2017, the Le Tigre brand, founded in 1977, has been owned and managed by joint venture investment partners and brand licensing experts, Infinity Brands and Hilco Inc., which operates as Le Tigre 360 Global.

"Le Tigre 360 Global is thrilled about the strategic partnership with Designer Brands Inc.," said Ike S. Franco, Infinity Brands chief executive officer.

"As a leader in footwear, they will undoubtedly bring inspiring and unique designs to the marketplace, producing and delivering the highest quality products and engaging a large multi-generational audience that will expand the brand's footprint significantly. This will truly disrupt the footwear marketplace." 

Le Tigre joins Designer Brands' current portfolio of brands including Vince Camuto, Reebok, Hush Puppies, Jessica Simpson, Crown Vintage, JLO Jennifer Lopez, Mix No. 6, Lucky Brand and Kelly & Katie.

The partnerships vary from brand to brand and include ownership, licensing, partnerships, and customized agreements, "all of which ensure access, enhanced margins, and collaborative working relationships," according to Designer Brands.