Authentic Brands and ImagineX Group ink deal to expand Juicy Couture in Asia

New York -- ImagineX Group, Asia’s leading retail, brand management and distribution company, and Authentic Brands Group, LLC, the new owner of Juicy Couture, today announced a long-term franchise partnership to drive Juicy’s market expansion and category development in China. The partnership will provide the momentum to add more Juicy Couture stores throughout Asia; expand the brand’s reach with new product lines; and support further regional growth initiatives.



ImagineX, a company within The Lane Crawford Joyce Group, first acquired the management and distribution rights of Juicy Couture for Greater China and South East Asia in 2006 and now operates more than 80 points of sales in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.



The next phase of growth will focus on brand extensions to create a complete lifestyle brand, and an integrated distribution network beyond shopping malls. Building on the success of Juicy Couture’s Black Label Collection in Asia, a new footwear collection produced by Steve Madden will launch in 2015. Intimates and Juicy Couture Girls Collections will also be added, with freestanding stores planned in the upcoming years. More than 40 points-of-sale will be opened in key locations, while a major push in e-commerce, with both omnichannel and wholesale online accounts, will significantly extend the brand’s reach across the region.



“We look forward to working with ImagineX to further accelerate Juicy Couture’s growth in Asia, consistent with our long-term goals for the brand in global markets,” said Jamie Salter, CEO and chairman of Authentic Brands Group. “ Our growth plans for Asia are consistent with the evolution of the brand globally, including the unveiling of new concept stores in the U.S. in 2015; new offerings in footwear, intimates and kidswear; and exciting developments in fragrance, watches, eyewear and swimwear.”