Reliance Brands to partner with US - based Timberland

Reliance Brands has entered into a licensing and distribution deal with $1.5 billion iconic US shoe brand, Timberland, and will roll out the first store next year. Timberland is a leading outdoor premium-quality footwear and apparel company, with environmental stewardship as its USP. This is Reliance Brands’ third tie-up. It already has a JV with two Italian brands -- Paul & Shark and Diesel -- which are expected to have a retail rollout by 2010. For India, Timberland’s strong presence in the European and Asian markets bodes well and provides a good scope for its patented waterproof leather shoes or iconic yellow boat shoes. Timberland is a dual-gender brand and sells footwear as well as apparel range.