Partner Article

Berghaus reveals plans for 200 stores in China

A North East clothing manufacturer is heading East again in its latest venture. Sunderland-based outdoor brand Berghaus has already made forays into the Japanese market, and is now eyeing up the potentially massive consumer base of China.

After a 12-month search for a suitable licensee for the Chinese market, Berghaus announced its deal with Symphony Resources ltd, who also represent sportswear brand Speedo. The licensing arrangement, which starts next year, will see 200 Berghaus stores open across China.

Richard Cotter, Berghaus brand president, said: “As Berghaus continues its development into one of the world’s top five outdoor brands, Asia will be a key territory. We have already made great progress in Japan and South Korea and have also created Berghaus Asia, a self-sufficient division based in Hong Kong that is an invaluable resource to support our Far East activities.

“Symphony Resources Ltd is a fantastic licensee option for Berghaus as the company brings with it vast experience of managing and licensing major brands in the Chinese market. The team there has an extensive network throughout the main provinces, along with the production, marketing and wholesale expertise to deliver our vision in China.”

Allan Chan, Symphony Resources Ltd managing director, said: “Symphony Resources is very excited to have the opportunity to partner with Berghaus, a brand with tremendous heritage and innovation. “The emerging outdoor-active market in China represents great potential, and we believe the timing is perfect to launch a brand of this calibre in China.”

As well as its Japanese and Chinese endeavours, in 2007 the company signed a license and distribution agreement for South Korea with E.Land Ltd. There are now 24 Berghaus stores in the market, with plans to increase that number in the near future.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .