Vida Shoes International Strikes Multi-Year Licensing Deal For Stride Rite™ Brand

NEW YORK, June 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1919, Stride Rite has been known as a legendary heritage brand of children's footwear, synonymous with quality and expertise. Acquired by Wolverine WorldWide Inc  (WWW) in 2012, the Stride Rite brand has continued to evolve and has entered into a license agreement with Vida Shoes International Inc.  Vida is a market leader in children's footwear, as they have been the footwear partner of Carter's (CRI) for over 17 years, producing shoes under the Carter's and OshKosh B'Gosh brand names.  In addition, Vida has licenses with Hanna Andersson, XOXO, UNIONBAY and Esprit along with their own proprietary brands: outdoor brands JambuKD and M.A.P., toddler brand Step & Stride. 

In recent years, Stride Rite has expanded from their best-known traditional products, introducing innovative products like the Phibian, a versatile, amphibious sneaker sandal, and the Snoot, a packable, lightweight water-resistant winter boot. They have strong product collections and have enlarged their consumer base by launching sub-brands such as "Surprize by Stride Rite" and through a strong emphasis on their direct-to-consumer ecommerce business.

At Vida Shoes, there is genuine excitement to add Stride Rite to their already robust children's business. There is no doubt Stride Rite will fit seamlessly alongside Vida's existing branded portfolio.  Brian McManus, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Vida Shoes International Kids Division, actually started his career at Stride Rite, and is looking forward to bringing the Stride Rite brand into the Vida family.

"We believe strongly that a beloved brand like Stride Rite is a natural fit to add to our growing licensed portfolio of kid's branded offerings," commented McManus. At Vida Shoes International, we are steadfastly committed to excellence in innovative design, great product, and interesting, unique marketing.  We partner this with a dedication for extraordinary customer service to our retail partners and ultimate consumer. The long term nature of the agreement demonstrates the partnership between Vida and Wolverine Worldwide and the bright future we see ahead for the Stride Rite brand"

"Wolverine has a long history of working with great partners to license and distribute our brands around the world," commented Blake Krueger, Wolverine's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. "Stride Rite is an iconic, premium children's footwear brand and this global partnership is the next stage in Stride Rite's nearly century-long history. Vida Shoes International shares our mission to design products that kids love, while offering parents fashionable and functional options for their children. We're confident they will be a great partner for Wolverine Worldwide and our Stride Rite brand."

ABOUT VIDA SHOES INTERNATIONAL INC
Since 1973, Vida Shoes International Inc has been committed to becoming a global leader in the footwear industry. We are dedicated to designing, producing and marketing quality branded footwear using our expansive international resources. Our wealth of knowledge stems from the diversity of brands and successful products we have produced year after year.

ABOUT STRIDE RITE
Founded in 1919, Stride Rite combines heritage and knowledge, steeped in nearly 100 years in children's footwear, with a modern-day understanding of kids' every day adventures. Inspired by real life, Stride Rite prides itself on making great looking, high quality footwear, building strong consumer relationships and providing parents with the tools they need to find the best fitting shoe for their child. For additional information, please visit www.striderite.com.

CONTACT:  Michelle Hinsvark, [email protected]

SOURCE Vida Shoes International