CASIO G-SHOCK SIGNS NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNER
Watch brand Casio G-Shock has announced the selection of PFN Distribution and Outset Collective as the new premier G-Shock distribution partners servicing the lifestyle fashion apparel channel, effective January 2017. Recognized for its cultural cache and collection of notable streetwear brands, PFN and Outset Collective will work to expand G-Shock’s reach in key lifestyle outlets that are core to the brand, and ensure an increased presence within those markets. PFN Distribution is owned by industry executive Jay Partow, who co-founded sales agency, Outset Collective along with partners and industry veterans Taylor Fisher and Nick Girlando.
“We look forward to working with Jay, Taylor, Nick and the team at PFN and Outset Collective as we look to upgrade our connection to the channel and its consumers and improve our presence with its better retailers,” said Yuji Sasajima, chairman and CEO of Casio America. “As we prepare to celebrate G-Shock’s 35th anniversary in the coming year, we want to better share the remarkable advancements in the brand’s design, construction, features and functionality with our incredible fan base in the lifestyle channel that already appreciates G-Shock as a heritage brand based on its core value of ‘absolute toughness.’”
“We are honored at the opportunity to be partnering with Casio,” added Partow. “G-Shock is a heritage brand and has deep roots in the lifestyle and action sports market. My partners and I look forward to launching the brand this spring. Given the challenging climate of our industry, there has never been a more important time to support independent retailers across the country than now. We will be placing an emphasis on re-developing and maintaining partnerships with these key retailers in our channel by offering exciting collaborations and close marketing support with the help of the dedicated team at Casio.”
“The lifestyle apparel and action sports segments have always been crucial to the success of G-Shock so we’re excited to begin this new partnership,” said David Johnson, Vice President of Casio’s Timepiece Division. “Bringing PFN Distribution and Outset Collective on-board will help us reconnect with a core community and reach consumers in these segments more directly through enhanced relationships with key retailers.”
Founded in 2004, PFN Distribution is experienced in distributing apparel and accessories to lifestyle and action sports retailers across the globe. Based in Los Angeles and New York, Outset Collective specializes in national wholesale and brand development for emerging and notable streetwear and lifestyle bands such as 40s & Shorties, Alpha Industries, Taikan Everything and V/SUAL.