Rockport and Reef shift Canadian operations to distributor model

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Apr 3, 2019

The Rockport Company LLC and Reef Lifestyle LLC this week announced that they have entered into definitive agreements to transition their Canadian businesses to a distributor model with Canadian footwear distributor Trend Marketing. 

 
The transaction is expected to close for Rockport Company brands on May 1, 2019 and for Reef on June 1, 2019.
 
Rockport, which owns brands like the Rockport, Aravon and Dunham brands, and Reef Lifestyle, will join footwear brands Cole Haan, Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto, Franco Sarto and Via Spiga, among others, that are currently distributed by Trend Marketing. 

"We are thrilled to partner with Trend Marketing as our distributor in the Canadian market,” said Rockport & Reef CEO, Gregg Ribatt. “Trend is one of the leading footwear distributors in the Americas and we are confident that they will help drive deep consumer connections and high-quality growth in the future.” 
 
"Trend Marketing is very excited to partner with such an iconic organization as The Rockport Company,” added founder and CEO of Trend Marketing, Larry Gladstone.
 
“There is a huge opportunity for the entire portfolio of authentic, premium footwear brands in Canada and we are excited to energize them all in the market. The Canadian consumer values innovative, quality footwear that not only looks good but feels great which is why a partnership with Rockport is the perfect fit."  
 
It’s been a challenging time for footwear retail in Canada as the country continues to loose retailers and welcome new entrants, increasing competition in the market.
 
Last year, Rockport shuttered its store fronts in Canada, along with other footwear retailers such as Nine West and DSW Inc, which also exited the Town Shoes banner in Canada and operated 38 locations.

Most recently, Payless ShoeSource is currently in the process of closing 248 locations across the country.