Free People heads to Japan

American retailer Urban Outfitters is teaming up with Japanese fashion company World Co. to distribute its speciality clothing brand Free People in Japan. The multi-year exclusive deal with World Co. will mark Urban Outfitters first full-scale entry into

the Japanese market, and will commence with the distribution and marketing of the Free People brand’s spring 2013 collection.

Under the agreement, World Co., will have the right to distribute merchandise through shop-in-shop locations, a stand-alone store, direct-to-consumer sites, distribute to speciality store and department store wholesale accounts, and market the brand throughout Japan.

Commenting on the deal, Urban Outfitters’ CEO Richard A. Hayne, said: “We are excited to partner with World Co. to help us expand the Free People brand in Japan. Free People designs compelling merchandise with a strong lifestyle message, and World brings deep expertise and a track record of marketing success in Japan.

“Together we expect to build the same customer awareness and brand loyalty in the Japanese Market that Free People currently enjoys domestically”.

“We are thrilled to be Free People’s partner in Japan,” added Hidezo Terai, World Co. CEO. “Our two companies and people share many cultural values, including a focus on customer and respect for creativity. From this foundation I am confident together we will be successful in pleasing the Free People customer in Japan.”

Currently Free People is sold and marketed via its own standalone stores and boutiques in department stores across the US and Canada, and this autumn it is launching its UK e-commerce site.