Esprit Returns to Canada

RATINGEN, GERMANY and MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 10, 2015) -

Note to Editors: There are three photos associated with this press release.

Esprit, the international fashion brand headquartered in Ratingen near Düsseldorf, Germany, announces a strategic partnership with Canadian distributor Freemark Apparel Brands (FAB Inc.), to re-enter the Canadian market. As part of a multi-channel distribution strategy, the first standalone Esprit doors in Canada will open in Spring 2016. The exact locations are to be announced.

"We are very happy about the opportunity to return to Canada", comments Dieter Messner, General Manager Europe, Americas & Middle East, Esprit. "With the North American continent being the birthplace of our brand, we are convinced that we can revive the Canadian consumer's strong relationship with Esprit as it has been missed in the market place for several years. We are convinced that with our exclusive distribution partner FAB Inc. we have found the perfect way to enhance the Esprit brand experience in the most promising way throughout Canada."

"We are thrilled to bring Esprit back to Canada. The consumer will be very pleased with Esprit's continued strength in quality versus price point value and they can expect to see exciting evolution in product mix every season within all key categories of Esprit's apparel portfolio such as edc, casual, collection, bodywear, accessories, and sport," comments Lawrence Routtenberg, Vice President of Sales and Co-Owner of Freemark Apparel Brands. "We want to ensure that Esprit is well represented at the best retail destinations throughout Canada. We will be marketing Esprit to the end consumer through a variety of marketing vehicles that will ensure the consumer knows Esprit is back in Canada where it belongs. We are very much looking forward to upholding Esprit's world class standards while ensuring we become an iconic power brand in Canada."

About Esprit

Founded in 1968, Esprit is an international fashion brand that pays homage to its roots and expresses a relaxed, sunny Californian attitude towards life. Esprit creates inspiring collections for women, men and kids made from high-quality materials paying great attention to detail. All of Esprit's products demonstrate the Group's commitment to make consumers "feel good to look good". The company's "esprit de corps" reflects a positive and caring attitude towards life that embraces community, family and friends - in that casual, laid-back California style, The Esprit style.

Esprit's collections are available in over 40 countries worldwide, in around 900 directly managed retail stores and through over 7,500 wholesale points of sales including franchise stores, and sales space in department stores. The Group markets its products under two brands, namely the Esprit brand and the edc brand. Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1993, Esprit has headquarters in Germany and Hong Kong.

www.esprit.com

About FAB Inc. - Freemark Apparel Brands

Founded in 2004, Freemark Apparel Brands (FAB Inc.) has established itself as a storehouse of what's hot in fashion globally, having formed strategic partnerships with several leading, emerging, global brands. With multi-channel expertise in retail, wholesale, and e-commerce, FAB is a resource for the country's best retailers seeking innovative design, strong supply chains and cutting edge marketing.

The company is committed to servicing a strategic point of sale network that today encompasses the country's best independent boutiques, specialty chains, department stores and mass merchants. Through an alliance with top tier sales agencies located across Canada, Fab Inc. offers excellence in customer service and industry expertise.

Fab Inc. is dedicated to remaining innovative and fresh while staying focused on building world renowned brands for the North American market. The company is committed to providing retailers with on-going advertising and marketing support, in addition to building awareness of its brands through consistent PR and advertising efforts - season after season.

www.fabinc.ca

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/01PR_Esprit_11_SS16.jpg

http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/02Dieter.jpg

http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/03Lawrence_Routtenberg_Portrait.jpg