DSW and Loehmann’s step into shoe agreement

DSW’s division the Affiliated Business Group has entered into a joint agreement with Loehmann’s which renders ABG the sole supplier for Loehmann’s footwear departments in the company’s U.S. locations and e-commerce site.

The initial roll out is expected to begin at a few stores starting December, with the balance of the chain and e-commerce launching in the first quarter 2014. ABG will plan, procure and deliver the entire women's and men's footwear inventory, while Loehmann’s will provide staffing for the shoe departments.

"We are thrilled with our partnership with ABG,” said Loehmann’s CEO Steven Newman. “Through their association with DSW Inc., ABG's expertise in creating a compelling assortment in footwear at everyday value will elevate our product offering to our savvy fashion conscious customers who already find great designers at amazing prices at our Loehmann’s stores as well as our website."

"We look forward to partnering with Loehmann’s,” added DSW president and CEO Mike MacDonald. “Our broad supplier base, product knowledge and retail capability will support Loehmann’s brand positioning objectives. We are confident our partnership will bring our expertise and passion for footwear to Loehmann’s customers."

ABG partners with multi-category retailers in the development of strategies and business models designed to build seamless on-brand shoe assortments.

"We are very pleased to partner with Steven and the Loehmann’s team,” said ABG's SVP and GM Christopher Lanning. “We are committed to customizing a fashion footwear assortment and shopping experience that will meet the footwear needs and desires of Loehmann’s customers.”

DSW is a leading branded footwear, handbag and accessories retailer that offers a wide selection of brand name and designer fashion for women, men and children. It operates 377 stores in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and operates an e-commerce site and a mobile website. DSW also supplies footwear to 347 leased locations in the United States under the Affiliated Business Group.

Loehmann’s has stores in 11 states and D.C. and operates an e-commerce site. The department store offers consumers discount women's dresses, suits, sportswear, shoes, handbags and accessories as well as menswear.