Varvatos Plan for Japan

The John Varvatos Co. (New York), designer of men's fashion and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nautica Enterprises, has signed an exclusive five-year distributorship agreement with Seibu Department Stores (Tokyo).

Under the terms of the agreement, Seibu will import and distribute all Varvatos products to its 25 units throughout Japan, and will partner with Varvatos in the advertising, promotion and marketing of the brand throughout the country. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The Varvatos collection is already featured in three Seibu in-store shops, which reflect the environment of the designer's New York store in SoHo. “We are thrilled to announce this expanded distribution with Seibu,” Varvatos said. “This not only expands our business throughout Japan, a key market for us, but also marks a significant step toward building the John Varvatos brand globally. Seibu is a leader in the fashion arena and they are renowned for successfully managing an upscale business and keeping the brand elevated.”

The Varvatos collection of tailored clothing, sportswear, leather accessories and footwear for men was launched in 2000, but the designer has already been recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer in June 2000 and as Menswear Designer of the Year in June 2001.