Jessica Simpson brand making 'strides'

TOPEKA, Kan. The tween market will never be the same, as Jessica Simpson’s brand gets set to kick up its heels.

The Stride Rite Children's Group of Collective Brands Inc. and the Jessica Simpson brand manufacturer, Camuto Group, have entered into an exclusive multi-year global licensing agreement in which Stride Rite Children's Group will design, develop, manufacture and distribute a line of footwear for the tween market for the Jessica Simpson Brand.

Debuting Holiday 2008, the collection will consist of both current Jessica Simpson women's styles executed in youth sizes, as well as youth-specific silhouettes. Channels of distribution will include major department stores, as well as specialty retailers nationwide including Stride Rite stores.

"Jessica Simpson's charisma, style and values make her a role model and inspiration to women and girls across America," said Pam Salkovitz, president of Stride Rite Children's Group. "We look forward to taking the brand into the girls' market as part of a key strategy to expand beyond our core target and are thrilled to add the Jessica Simpson brand to our expanding portfolio."

The Camuto Group is the owner of the Vince Camuto and Arturo Chiang brands and is the master licensee for the Jessica Simpson collection. Company ceo Vince Camuto said its partnership with Stride Rite is “ideal… as they have the broadest depth of knowledge and expertise in this market."