PUMA and Foot Locker, Inc. Expand Partnership to Reach Next-Generation Customers Through Basketball and Other Elevated Collaborations

Rhea-AI Summary

PUMA and Foot Locker (NYSE: FL) have announced an expanded partnership focused on basketball, launching exclusive product collections aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The collaboration includes the LaMelo Ball Signature program, a PUMA x POKÉMON partnership, and upcoming collections with Mikey Williams and Dixie D’Amelio. This initiative aims to enhance brand engagement through creator collaborations and marketplace exclusivity, catering to a younger audience while further solidifying Foot Locker’s position in the athletic retail sector.

Positive

• Expansion of exclusive product collections targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
• Collaboration with high-profile influencers and athletes to boost brand visibility.
• Introduction of unique partnerships, such as PUMA x POKÉMON, enhancing customer engagement.

Negative

• None.

The strengthened partnership will enable both companies to reach new audiences while redefining brand-retailer collaboration.

SOMERVILLE, Mass. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PUMA, the fastest sports brand in the world, and Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) ("Foot Locker"), the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, today announced an expanded partnership, underscored by a focus on basketball and the creation of exclusive product collections that meet the demands of this growing next-generation market segment. The companies also plan to roll out hyper-relevant creator engagements and brand partnerships that specifically resonate with a younger audience.

The PUMA MB.02 is the latest shoe in LaMelo Ball’s PUMA Hoops lineup, available now at Foot Locker. (Photo: Business Wire)

“PUMA’s long-standing relationship with Foot Locker has played an instrumental role in our ability to drive innovation and push the boundaries of sports, fashion, and technology globally,” said Bob Philion, President of PUMA North America. “Our enhanced partnership not only provides us with additional opportunities for collaboration and growth, but it will enable us to provide even greater experiences and inclusion for our evolving customer base around the world.”

Through this strengthened partnership, PUMA and Foot Locker have planned a series of exclusive collections and product collaborations with highly influential ambassadors reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Specifics include:

• expanding the basketball and classics categories with continued exclusive access to the LaMelo Ball Signature program, which launched with the MB.02 in October with additional iterations launching later this month and in December;
• launching the first-ever PUMA x POKÉMON collaboration. PUMA and Foot Locker Inc. are partnering with The Pokémon Company International and Niantic, publisher of the popular Pokémon GO mobile game, to turn, for the next six months, 400 Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Kids Foot Locker stores across the U.S. and the PUMA NYC Flagship store into Gyms and Poké Stops in Pokémon GO. Foot Locker, Champs Sports & Kids Foot Locker are the exclusive destination in North America for the PUMA x POKÉMON collaboration, available now.
• PUMA x PAW PATROL™, a new collection of playful and sporty styles for kids will be available at exclusively at Kids Foot Locker and Foot Locker in North America starting November 25.
• creating and launching upcoming athlete capsules with Mikey Williams;
• building exclusive product programs to be released in the coming months with social media star and music artist Dixie D’Amelio and hip-hop artist Cordae; and
• launching PUMA x CoComelon, a new collaboration coming out next Spring and inspired by CoComelon’s favorite characters, which will create a close connection with the younger generation available exclusively at Kids Foot Locker.

“We are very excited to build on our already strong partnership with PUMA,” said Andrew Gray, Executive Vice President, Global Lockers and Champs Sports, Foot Locker, Inc. “By expanding and strengthening our collaboration with PUMA, we continue to advance our strategy to diversify our product selection and bring new and innovative products to our consumers.”

In addition to building hyper-relevant creative partnerships and product collections, PUMA and Foot Locker will continue to advance shared marketplace opportunities, which include:

• adding hype drops and marketplace exclusivity through franchises, such as the RSX, shared marketing partnership investments, and elevated in-store and online experiences for PUMA and Foot Locker customers; and
• investing in product creation and marketing to help support Foot Locker’s Leading Education & Economic Development (LEED) Initiative, the company’s commitment to invest in, amplify, and empower the Black community, and PUMA’s REFORM platform to drive social change.

PUMA and Foot Locker have jointly supported a portfolio of ambassadors, athletes, and brands to create exclusive product concepts and market activations across the Foot Locker portfolio. This collaboration has brought together product, marketing, digital, and customer experience in innovative new ways including launches such as L.O.L Surprise.

Shop the latest PUMA collections at Foot Locker here.

About PUMA

PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, designing, developing, selling, and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For more than 70 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 16,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany. https://about.puma.com/

About Foot Locker, Inc.

Foot Locker, Inc. leads the celebration of sneaker and youth culture around the globe through a portfolio of brands, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, atmos, WSS, and Sidestep. With approximately 2,800 retail stores in 28 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as websites and mobile apps, Foot Locker, Inc.'s purpose is to inspire and empower youth culture around the world by fueling a shared passion for self-expression and creating unrivaled experiences at the heart of the global sneaker community. Foot Locker, Inc. has its corporate headquarters in New York. For additional information, please visit footlocker-inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221114005695/en/

Media Contacts:

Melissa Garbayo, PUMA, Senior Director Marketing Communications, North America – melissa.garbayo@puma.com



Matthew Di Taranto, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Foot Locker, Inc. – matthew.ditaranto@footlocker.com

Source: PUMA

FAQ

What is the new partnership between PUMA and Foot Locker (FL) about?

PUMA and Foot Locker have expanded their partnership to focus on basketball, launching exclusive product collections targeted at younger audiences.

When will the PUMA x POKÉMON collection be available at Foot Locker (FL)?

The PUMA x POKÉMON collaboration is available now across select Foot Locker locations.

What products are included in the PUMA and Foot Locker partnership?

The partnership includes the LaMelo Ball Signature program, PUMA x POKÉMON, and upcoming collections with various influencers and athletes.

How does the partnership between PUMA and Foot Locker (FL) benefit investors?

The expanded partnership is expected to enhance brand engagement and stimulate sales through exclusive collections and collaborations.

What target demographic is PUMA aiming to reach through its partnership with Foot Locker (FL)?

PUMA is focusing on engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha through tailored product offerings and marketing strategies.