The PGA TOUR and Marks & Spencer, the United Kingdom's leading high street retailer, announced today the launch of PGA TOUR co-branded merchandise, which will be available in more than 70 Marks & Spencer retail stores as well as on the retailer's online store.
"We are extremely pleased to partner with Marks & Spencer in this exciting retail program," said Tom Wade, Chief Marketing Officer for the PGA TOUR. "The positioning and customers' profile of Marks & Spencer align extremely well with our fan base, making it the ideal partner for retail. Marks & Spencer's international recognition as a leading high street retailer offering only quality product, gives us the confidence that the PGA TOUR licensed product range will fit well into the store's quality product assortment."
Under the agreement, Marks & Spencer will carry several apparel ranges of PGA TOUR co-branded products. This will include men's casual wear such as knitwear, jackets, pants, sweat shirts and hosiery, as well as non-performance accessories including scarves, gloves, cufflinks, towels and bags. A range of gift items will include playing cards, golf balls, range finders and key rings, among others.
"We are delighted to be the UK's exclusive high street retailer for PGA TOUR co-branded clothing and other select merchandise," said Richard Price, Marks & Spencer's Trading Director for menswear. "Our customers have always appreciated the high quality, authenticity and great value of our product offer. The addition of the PGA TOUR merchandise, which speaks the same values, will be a fantastic complement to this. We are confident that this collaboration will be a great success."
Marks & Spencer customers in other regions are able to purchase PGA TOUR-branded merchandise on http://www.marksandspencer.com.
The license agreement between PGA TOUR and Marks & Spencer, which was facilitated by Global Brands Group, is the first of its kind for the PGA TOUR in Europe.
"We are extremely pleased to bring together Marks & Spencer and the PGA TOUR," said Jonathan Sieff, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Global Brands Group, the TOUR's international licensing representative. "This is a fantastic opportunity for Marks & Spencer to bring PGA TOUR co-branded golf lifestyle products to a whole new level. The products are superb and will give the UK golf lovers authentic premium quality leisurewear that is perfect on or off the course."
Both parties are enthusiastic about the long-term prospects of working together and agree that their similar brand values mean that the PGA TOUR range is perfect for Marks & Spencer's golfing customers.
(Source: PGATour.com)
