Sportswear retailer Foot Locker announced it is entering India via a dual partnership with Metro Brands and Nykaa Fashion, with the two local distributors looking after the U.S. firm’s offline and online operations, respectively.
SEE ALSO: Foot Locker opens first Philippines store in Manila
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Metro Brands and Nykaa Fashion to further elevate sneaker culture in India,” said Mary Dillon, president CEO at Foot Locker.
“The passion for sneakers in this market is tremendous, and we believe that with the combined omni-channel strength of our partners, we are uniquely positioned to appeal to the rapidly growing Indian market.”
The new deal with the New York-based Foot Locker means Metro Brands will have the exclusive rights to own and operate Foot Locker stores within India and sell authorised merchandise in Foot Locker stores.
“At Metro Brands, our vision is to bring the finest global brands to India and cater to the complete shoe wardrobe of our customer,” said Nissan Joseph, CEO of Metro Brands Limited.
“This partnership is a big step in that direction. It will also help us pave the way in revolutionizing the sneaker market, enhancing the retail experience, and meeting dynamic needs of our customers.”
In addition to Foot Locker, Metro Brands currently holds the licenses for international brands like Crocs, Fitflop, and Fila, in India.
Meanwhile, Nykaa Fashion will operate Foot Locker’s India website and retail authorised Foot Locker merchandise on its existing e-commerce platforms, as Foot Locker’s e-commerce partner in India.
“With our partnership with Footlocker, we are excited to bring the world’s best sneaker brands and styles to feed an exploding sneaker culture in India,” said Adwaita Nayar, CEO Nykaa Fashion.
Foot Locker’s India entry comes nearly 12 months after the sporting apparel and footwear retailer opened its debut store in The Philippines, in December 2022.