COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Designer Brands
Inc. (NYSE:DBI), one of North
America's largest designers, producers and retailers of
footwear and accessories, today announced exclusive distribution
for Hush Puppies in North America,
through partnership with Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE:WWW). This
industry-forward initiative will make DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
the exclusive in-store distributor of Hush Puppies beginning in
2022, helping maintain DBI's retail presence throughout the U.S.
and Canada, targeting ideal
consumers and generating mutual brand growth and awareness.
"Hush Puppies is a wonderful brand for Millennials who desire
both style and comfort in their busy, on-the-go lifestyles," said
DSW's Chief Merchandising Officer Jim
Weinberg. "We continue to deliver differentiated products to
our customers, and this exciting new partnership between DSW and
Wolverine Worldwide is a great opportunity to further build our
robust assortment of brands that meet all our customers' needs. DSW
customers have enjoyed Hush Puppies for years, and we are delighted
to become the sole physical destination for this iconic brand in
North America."
"We are thrilled to launch this partnership and have our line of
optimistic, colorful and comfortable products exclusively available
at DSW stores across the U.S. and Canada," said Kate
Pinkham, General Manager & Vice President of Hush
Puppies. "DSW's leading position as a footwear industry innovator
makes them the perfect retailer to reintroduce our iconic brand to
the next generation of Hush Puppies fans."
Hush Puppies will be available in all DSW and The Shoe Company
stories in the U.S. and Canada, as
well as online at DSW.com and TheShoeCompany.ca and on
HushPuppies.com. DSW and The Shoe Company locations will also
receive online returns from HushPuppies.com. Through this exclusive
distribution partnership, Hush Puppies and DSW will benefit from
their aligned consumer profiles and positionings. Hush Puppies will
continue to sell products on their e-commerce site,
HushPuppies.com, as well as internationally, but will exit all
other North American retail wholesale operations effective
January 1, 2022.
DSW is a leading footwear retailer in North America with more than 600 stores in the
U.S. and Canada, and operates in
Canada through both DSW and The
Shoe Company. In addition to its strong brick-and-mortar presence,
DSW continues to grow its robust omnichannel business, with more
than 400 million ecommerce site visits a year and 30 million loyal
VIP members.
Hush Puppies launched in 1958 with their iconic basset hound and
a line of comfortable, colorful suede shoes made for the weekend.
Quickly becoming the number-one brand in America and beyond, Hush
Puppies have been sold around the world in over 550 stores across
45 countries, with strong consumer awareness.
ABOUT HUSH PUPPIES:
In 1958, Hush Puppies introduced
the world to a new kind of footwear – shoes with casual style and
an easygoing attitude made to relax in. Hush Puppies is a global
brand, a household name and a cultural icon that embodies the
lighthearted spirit of its beloved basset hound. It is the go-to
footwear, accessory and apparel brand that delivers the right mix
of timeless style and dependable comfort. Hush Puppies is a
division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE:WWW), one of the
world's leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active
lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children's and uniform
footwear and apparel. For more information, visit
www.hushpuppies.com.
ABOUT DSW
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse is a leading
branded footwear and accessories retailer offering a wide selection
of brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear and
accessories for women, men and kids. DSW operates more than 500
locations in 44 states and operates a robust ecommerce website at
www.dsw.com, a mobile site at m.dsw.com and via mobile app.
Founded in 1991, DSW is a division of Columbus, Ohio-based Designer Brands Inc.
About Designer Brands
Designer Brands is one of
North America's largest designers,
producers and retailers of footwear and accessories. The Company
operates a portfolio of retail concepts in nearly 700 locations
under the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse®, The Shoe Company® and Shoe
Warehouse® banners. The Company designs and produces footwear
and accessories through Camuto Group, a leading manufacturer
selling in more than 5,400 stores worldwide. Camuto Group owns
licensing rights for the Jessica Simpson® footwear business and
footwear and handbag licenses for Lucky Brand®. In partnership with
a joint venture with Authentic Brands Group, the Company also owns
a stake in Vince Camuto®, Louise et Cie®, and others. More
information can be found at www.designerbrands.com.
Hush Puppies Press
Contact
Layne
Hebert
Layne@lividini.com
Designer Brands/DSW Media
Relations
mediarelations@dswinc.com
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SOURCE Designer Brands Inc.