Urban Outfitters enters Japan with Free People

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters is entered into an exclusive deal with World Co. to bring its Free People brand to Japan.



"We are excited to partner with World Co., Ltd to help us expand the Free People brand in Japan," said Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hayne. "Free People designs compelling merchandise with a strong lifestyle message, and World brings deep expertise and a track record of marketing success in Japan. Together we expect to build the same customer awareness and brand loyalty in the Japanese Market that Free People currently enjoys domestically."



The multi-year agreement with World Co., Ltd. will mark Urban Outfitter's first full-scale entry into the Japanese market, and is expected to commence with the Free People brand's spring 2013 collection. Under the agreement, World Co., Ltd will have the right to distribute merchandise through shop-in-shop locations, a stand-alone store, direct-to-consumer sites, distribute to specialty store and department store wholesale accounts, and market the brand throughout Japan.