U.S. outdoor apparel and footwear brand Timberland Co. (Stratham, N.H.) has entered into a licensing and distribution agreement with Reliance Brands (Mumbai) to roll out stores in India. The first location is expected next year, according to The Economic Times.
Reliance Brands, part of Reliance Industries Ltd., will distribute Timberland apparel and footwear through Timberland-branded retail stores and premium department stores in major cities throughout the country.
A Timberland spokeswoman told Women’s Wear Daily that the company could not disclose the number of stores expected to open in India. “With its rapidly growing fashion and retail sectors, we believe India will become a key market for us,” Jeff Swartz, Timberland president and ceo told WWD.
Parent company Reliance Industries is an oil and gas producer with a range of other businesses, including textiles and supermarkets as well as sellers of shoes, jewelry, books and toys. Among the labels in Reliance Brands’ retail portfolio are sports lifestyle brand Paul & Shark and the jeans maker Diesel, both of which are expected to rollout locations by mid 2010.