Kate Spade to expand in Latin America

Kate Spade, known for its colourful womenswear and accessories, is expanding in Latin America after signing a new distribution deal with Exclusive Brands International (EBI), one of the top leading retailers and distributors in Latin America and the Caribbean.

EBI has obtained the rights to the Kate Spade New York brand across 17 territories throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean, as the American-based fashion label looks to “unlock significant potential in the region and accelerate global expansion”.

The partnership will see Kate Spade leverage EBI's understanding of the region, international brand experience, and proven success at helping brands grow to expand the Kate Spade footprint in Latin America and distribute its products to territories where they don’t currently have stores, wholesale, or e-commerce presence.

Craig A. Leavitt, chief executive officer of Kate Spade & Company, said: "Latin America offers significant untapped potential where we see meaningful opportunity for growth. Currently in this region, we see significant brand awareness, increasing demand for our products and the desire to engage with the Kate Spade New York brand more deeply."

Kate Spade signs distribution deal with Exclusive Brands International

Leavitt added: "Our partnership with EBI is important as we establish a strong foundation for the brand across Latin America, helping us build scale and accelerate growth in that region. This strategic partnership is an important milestone in Kate Spade & Company's progression along our geographic expansion axis and is consistent with our partnered approach to expansion."

In connection with the partnership, Kate Spade has confirmed that it will no longer operate directly in Brazil and will evaluate the business in the region in partnership with EBI. Kate Spade & Company will continue its successful existing distribution agreement with Grupo Axo in Mexico, where Kate Spade already has four stores and two points of distribution.

Images: Kate Spade