Harry Rosen partners with Davids Footwear

Canadian luxury menswear retailer Harry Rosen is joining forces with Toronto-based specialty retailer Davids Footwear to help lead its national expansion.

Harry Rosen announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a joint venture agreement to operate and expand Davids Footwear stores, bringing together two Canadian retail families.

Harry Rosen will help the brand further expand across Canada and will act in an advisory role to help the retailer establish a national identity, while Davids will continue to run as an independent organization, keeping its brand identity in-tact, as well as retaining key talent.

"We're thrilled to have entered into this partnership agreement with the Markowitz family," said Larry Rosen, Harry Rosen Inc.'s Chairman & CEO. "Our companies share a similar legacy of internationally recognized, family-run businesses that offer world-class product and exceptional service. We believe we can help DAVIDS grow into a national chain that provides a compelling point of difference to the department stores."

"We are very excited about the ways in which Larry Rosen and his executive leadership team can help us grow nationally, leveraging each other's strengths," added Richard Markowitz, the grandson of Davids founders Louis and Julia Markowitz. Richard will occupy the role of David' President in the new joint venture.

Both Harry Rosen and Davids were founded in Toronto more than 60 years ago with a luxury product assortment. Harry Rosen has since expanded in key urban markets across Canada operating 18 stores across the country, within excess of 300,000 square feet accounting for 40 percent of the Canadian market in high-end menswear, as well as an e-commerce site.

Davids operates the largest, independent luxury shoe store in Canada at the corner of Bay & Bloor in Toronto, as well as three other locations in the Greater Toronto Area at Sherway Gardens, Bayview Village, and Yorkdale.

Harry Rosen partners with Davids Footwear

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