Luxury footwear and leathergoods retailer acquired
American brand acquisition and management company NexCen Brands, Inc. has completed the acquisition of luxury retailer of designer women's footwear, handbags, and accessories The Shoe Box, Inc. in partnership with designer, and distributor of women's fashion footwear the Camuto Group. Family-owned and operated since 1954, The Shoe Box began as a single store in Plainview, Long Island, and today operates eight stores throughout the Long Island and New York City area and one location in Boca Raton, Florida. The two companies now plan to roll out in excess of 500 The Shoe Box stores globally.
Meanwhile, NexCen has also entered into a 30-year licensing agreement with the Camuto Group to develop women's footwear for all categories of NexCen's luxury brand, Bill Blass. Camuto already owns the Vince Camuto and Arturo Chiang brands and holds licences for the Jessica Simpson collection, Antonio Melani and Gianni Bini, BCBGirls, BCBG Max Azria and Nicole Miller brands.
Vince Camuto stated, "We are thrilled by our new partnership with NexCen. Their track record of building successful premium brands and growing them on a global basis makes NexCen a strong partner. In addition, the opportunity to add Bill Blass to the stable of the Camuto Group brands is the perfect complement to our existing success and growth in the marketplace. Finally, The Shoe Box stores will be a perfect way to introduce the new Bill Blass line to the consumer."
Nexcen’s portfolio of brands includes The Athlete's Foot, Bill Blass, MaggieMoo's, Marble Slab Creamery, Pretzel Time, and Pretzelmaker, and Waverly.
