Samsonite to drive expansion of Timberland packs and travel gear worldwide
The Timberland Company, known worldwide as a leader in premium footwear, apparel and gear for the outdoors and Samsonite Corporation, the world leader in innovative travel solutions in luggage, casual bags, and business cases, today announced an exclusive licensing agreement under which Samsonite will drive the expansion of Timberland® packs and travel gear worldwide.
For 95 years, Samsonite has been providing superior products and services that have firmly established the brand as a worldwide leader and innovator in the travel products market. Samsonite continues to build upon its rich design heritage to create packs and travel gear that meet the travel and lifestyle needs of the sophisticated traveller, incorporating painstaking attention to quality, durability and style.
Samsonite, in collaboration with Timberland, will be responsible for strategy, design, manufacturing, and distribution of Timberland packs and travel gear worldwide. As its first undertaking, Samsonite will design and launch a new, integrated collection of Timberland packs and travel gear for the fall 2006 season.
The Timberland packs and travel gear line will leverage Timberland's outdoor heritage to deliver true performance benefits to consumers worldwide – such as light weight, shock absorption, and protection from the elements. The collection will span across packs, duffels, travel gear, travel accessories and wheeled luggage.
“Samsonite's global expertise in travel product design, development and manufacturing, along with their commitment to quality craftsmanship, will benefit Timberland's integrated product development efforts,” said Patrick Baboin, Vice President of Worldwide Licensing, The Timberland Company. “Samsonite has a proven track record for interpreting a brand's values through product, while also having strong marketing and distribution strategies in place to ensure that the Timberland brand has a powerful presence around the world. They have a clear understanding of the Timberland brand and consumer, and are as committed as we are to building relevant, innovative product with functional excellence.”
“Both Samsonite and Timberland share a rich, multi-generational history of product innovation and craftsmanship, and we are excited to help support the growth of Timberland's travel gear business,” said Beppi Fremder, President, Samsonite Global Licensing Division. “We pride ourselves on providing outstanding quality and customer satisfaction. With the strength of the Timberland brand, and our shared commitment to excellence, we're confident this will be a long, successful partnership.”
About Timberland. Timberland is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland® products are sold worldwide through leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland retail stores. Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to “doing well and doing good” — forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work. To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com.