Metro Brands Limited (MBL) has signed a long-term licensing agreement with New Era Cap, a New York-based brand known for its sports fashion headwear. This partnership aims to enhance Metro Brands’ presence in the athleisure sector and expand New Era’s retail footprint in India.
“At Metro Brands Ltd, our vision is to introduce the finest global brands to India and fulfill our customers’ complete athleisure wardrobe needs. This partnership marks a major milestone in that journey,” Nissan Joseph, CEO, Metro Brands Limited said.
“It will allow us to revolutionise the cap market, elevate the retail experience, and address the evolving preferences of our customers. We are confident that, through this collaboration, caps are going to be the next statement accessory to watch out for,” Joseph added.
Under the agreement, MBL gains exclusive rights for the distribution and sale of New Era products, including headwear, apparel, and accessories. This includes retail stores, shopping kiosks, and online sales through MBL’s platforms, New Era’s sites, and other online marketplaces. New Era products will also be available in upcoming Foot Locker stores in India.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Metro Brands to create a robust growth plan for both headwear and apparel in India. Metro Brands has a deep understanding of the Indian consumer coupled with their expertise in retail and distribution,” Paul Gils, VP, New Era said.
New Era is renowned for its iconic headwear, including the 59FIFTY fitted cap, 9FIFTY snapback, and 9FORTY adjustable cap. The Indian headwear market, which has seen growth through e-commerce, presents a significant opportunity for retail expansion, as Metro Brands aims to integrate sports culture into the cap industry.
Metro Brands, with over 800 stores in India and plans to open its first Foot Locker store in the country, includes brands like Metro Shoes, Mochi, Crocs, FitFlop, and Fila within its portfolio.
Founded in 1920, New Era is a leading headwear brand known for its sports-related caps and accessories. Headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., the company offers a wide range of products including apparel and accessories, with over 500 licenses in various industries such as sports, fashion, music, and entertainment. New Era’s products are available in more than 80 countries.
Metro Brands Limited is a major Indian retailer specialising in footwear. Established in 1955 with its first store in Mumbai, Metro Brands offers a comprehensive range of footwear for men, women, and children, as well as handbags, belts, and wallets. The company operates under several in-house brands including Metro, Mochi, Walkway, Da Vinchi, and J. Fontini, and features third-party brands like Crocs, FitFlop, Fila, Skechers, Clarks, Puma, and Adidas. As of March 31, 2024, Metro Brands has 836 stores across 193 cities in India.
