Kohl's signs deal for Fila Sport line
US department store chain Kohl's Corp. has signed a deal with Fila to become the exclusive retailer for a new Fila Sport line which will be introduced in autumn 2008 at Kohl's stores across the US.
The multiyear agreement will allow Kohl's to design and oversee production of Fila Sport clothing and apparel, while Fila Luxembourg will be in charge of footwear design and production. Fila will continue to produce sports clothing and footwear under the Fila name and will sell these items through other retailers.
Fila's US business was sold earlier this year to Fila Korea Ltd. after reportedly struggling under Sports Brand International Ltd. "I think this is a way for them to resuscitate the brand," said Kohl's president Kevin Mansel.
The chain is beginning to see real growth among its active and sports apparel sector with sports apparel and shoe sales totalling $1.3 billion last year.
