ITOCHU Corporation has agreed a strategic alliance with SKINS to be its exclusive distributor in Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan from June.
The company operates brands such as Babolat, Converse, Fila and Head in Japan, as well as engaging in domestic and overseas trading of products including machinery, metals and logistics services.
Descente, a Japanese-based designer, manufacturer and distributor of sports and athletic wear, which ITOCHU has a 25 per cent stake in, will be responsible for marketing and sales.
“Japan has been a great success story for SKINS, thanks to a fabulous job done by our existing distributor,” says Jaimie Fuller, the company’s CEO.
“With ITOCHU we have a partner with a strong presence beyond Japan to take the business to the next level throughout the Asian markets where ITOCHU has capability, presence and scale.
“This will free up resources to invest in our established markets as well as new territories, but more importantly we can increase support for the brand.
“I want to make sure athletes, whatever their sport and whatever their level, buy the best gradient compression garment there is – and that’s SKINS.”
ITOCHU’s Fukushima Yoshihiro, general manager, brand marketing department 2, adds: “We usually develop strategic partnerships with more established brands, but in the case of SKINS we like how they have created a new and rapidly growing category.
“Apart from the strong revenue synergies and opportunities in innovation, we like the brand and the passion of their people.”
