EXPRESS EXPANDS STYLING COMMUNITY WITH COLLEGIATE ATHLETE STYLE AMBASSADORS 

Express has announced an expansion of its styling community with the debut of Columbus, Ohio (the company’s home base), collegiate football players CJ Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the brand’s first-ever collegiate athlete style ambassadors. 

This announcement is part of the retailer’s goal to connect with new customers through a range of influential partners, including style editors, influencers, ambassadors, and now, college athletes. Stroud and Smith-Njigba will work with Express to leverage their platforms to share how they approach dressing for off-the-field occasions and inspire others with their personal style. 

“As we build and engage our styling community, we look for partners who embody our brand purpose to create confidence and inspire self-expression. We’re delighted to welcome CJ Stroud and Jaxon Smith- Njigba to share their perspective on how personal style contributes to their confidence,” said Sara Tervo, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Express. “CJ and Jaxon are two outstanding, influential college athletes from our corporate hometown of Columbus, Ohio and we expect that their authenticity and relatability will appeal to our current customers as well as draw a new, younger demographic to our brand.” 

Stroud and Smith-Njigba will take to their own social channels and the brand’s channels to share content about how they turn to fashion to look and feel their most confident selves. Over the next year, Stroud will connect with Express customers through his participation in future campaigns and will make in-store and digital appearances. 

“I’m excited to be the newest Express ambassador and talk about my personal style,” said collegiate quarterback CJ Stroud. “Whether I’m dressing up for game day or hanging out with friends, my clothes reflect how I’m feeling that day, and Express always comes through with different fits for all the occasions in my life. When I put on a suit, I get a special feeling – it creates a whole new level of confidence and I’m hoping to inspire others to feel that way every time they get dressed.”