Japanese denim label Evisu is taking its destiny into its own hands in the U.S. and Canada.
Bestford Ltd., owner of the Evisu label, said it would take responsibility for the brand’s apparel distribution in the two countries.
Ben Sherman had handled Evisu’s distribution for the last five years. According to a statement released by Bestford, the two companies agreed to an early handover of distribution rights. Sherman’s contract was scheduled to expire at the end of this year.
“This is a tremendously exciting time for Evisu in the U.S. and Canada,” Peter Caplowe, chief executive officer of Bestford, said in a statement. “Ben Sherman remains our worldwide footwear licensee and we look forward to further developing with Ben Sherman our footwear business in the U.S., Canada and other markets.”
According to the terms of the early termination agreement, Sherman will distribute clothing lines for spring and summer, and Bestford will take over for fall.
“Over the past five years, we have worked very hard to establish Evisu as a credible player in the U.S. and Canada markets and we are happy to hand back the reins to Peter Caplowe and his team with Evisu in a very strong condition,” Paul McAdam, Sherman’s North American president, said in a statement.