Reliance Footprint ties-up with Japanese sporting major

15 Jan '10

4 min read

Reliance Footprint the footwear specialty store of Reliance Retail and ASICS Corporation Japan, one of world's leading sporting manufacturers today announced an exclusive partnership between the two companies. Signing an exclusive distribution agreement with Reliance Footprint, ASICS will be launched in India through a combination of EBO (exclusive brand outlets) and presence in Reliance Footprint stores. Iconic brands like Gel-Kayano, Gel-DS Trainer, GT-2000 series and GEL-1000 series will be available right from the beginning in India. Mr. G. Sankar, Chief Executive, Reliance Footprint and Mr. Motoi Oyama, President and Representative Director of ASICS Corporation signed the distribution agreement in Japan.

Announcing the agreement with ASICS Corporation, Mr. Gopalkrishnan Sankar, Chief Executive, Reliance Footprint said, “Keeping with our core promise to deliver fantastic choice and the best brands in the world, we are delighted to bring to the consumers in India the globally renowned brand for high performance athletic gear, ASICS. This exclusive partnership further enhances our continuous endeavor to service consumers in India with the best available range of footwear and accessories. This significant tie-up with ASICS is a step towards a healthy and fit India.”

Mr. Motoi Oyama, President and Representative Director of ASICS Corporation, said, “We are very pleased to partner Reliance Footprint for our entry into the Indian market. With Reliance Footprint's distribution and marketing strengths in the country, we are sure that ASICS brand will soon find huge following in the Indian market as in the rest of the world.”

ASICS footwear will be available in India by April 2010 initially at Reliance Footprint stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi. These will also be retailed through ASICS Exclusive Brand Outlets in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad starting from the middle of this year. ASICS debut in India will bring to the consumers its iconic brands like Gel-Kayano, Gel-DS Trainer, GT-2000 and GEL-1000 series for performance focused runners. Initially, the products launched would primarily focus on fitness, healthy living, running and power walking and then eventually move on to specific products for different sports like Cricket, Football, Basketball and many more sport categories. Target audiences for ASICS footwear are people in 20s to 50s who enjoy or wish to enjoy healthy living. The product range includes 20% sports clothing to complete the sports range and match international EBO standards.

The ASICS product range would include a complete gear and the in store experience will match the international EBO standards. Product range will focus on performance and active running shoes for both men and ladies.

Highlighting the brand vision and spirit of ASICS brand, Mr. Inoue, Senior General Manager (Asia Pacific Business Development), ASICS said, “ASICS brand policy is to provide fully sports-minded, enjoyable lifestyle using the highest technology. We develop creative products to deliver positive energy. Our brand vision is to become a brand for a positive life based on the world of sports following the ASICS spirit of "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" -You should pray to have a sound mind in a sound body.”

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