MELBOURNE: The distribution group behind Skechers, Dr Martens and Ugg Australia is set to unleash two more brands onto the Australian market.
The Accent Group has secured the Australian wholesale rights to Palladium Boots and Italian label Replay Footwear, with first deliveries set to go into stores in 2011.
Replay Footwear brand manager Julian Pertile said he will target independent retail stores to stock the brand for spring 2011 and major department stores in the following seasons.
Replay offers two ranges per year, with men's, women's and children's footwear available. The brand is targeted at 20- to 35-year-olds, with formal and casual styles offered. Prices range from $150 to $300 a pair.
"Replay is a premium, stylish, Italian footwear brand," he said. “The footwear gives a bespoke, almost handcrafted impression."
Palladium brand manager Carolyn Young said the fashion- oriented boot brand will be positioned to appeal to "early adopters" in the community. Key independents and national chain stores will be approached to stock the collection.
It was originally launched by a tyre manufacturer after World War II, when the company turned its skills to producing hard-wearing footwear. It now offers summer, winter and two smaller injection ranges, for men and women.
"The entry price point is from $100 up to $230," Young said. "However the range is designed to sit around the medium price of $150."
Other footwear brands distributed by Accent Group include Simple, Zoo York, Unltd. by Marc Ecko and Eastpak. It services over 1600 accounts and its retail division runs
32 stores.
Melinda Oliver