Perry Ellis signs license agreement for Gotcha brand in North Africa

By

Robin Driver

Published
Apr 23, 2018

Miami-based apparel company Perry Ellis International, Inc. announced on Monday that it has signed a license agreement with Kennek FZE for a full range of products under board sports brand Gotcha in North Africa.

The deal allows Kennek to source and distribute everything from surf boards and wetsuits to casual apparel and footwear under the Gotcha label, established in Laguna Beach in 1978 and best known today for its laidback style and vibrant use of color.
 
As part of the agreement, Kennek intends to open eight Gotcha stores in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria over the next four years. The company also plans to drive Gotcha’s expansion further afield in Africa through franchising.

“We at Kennek are very proud and excited to join the Gotcha family and showcase the Gotcha brand’s action sports legacy.  We look forward to expanding the Gotcha brand with franchises throughout Africa and seeing the success of the Gotcha brand in North Africa in the years ahead,” stated Kennek CEO Mamoun Tadili in a release.

Kennek FZE is a Casablanca, Morocco-based sourcing and retail business specialized in surf and skate products. The company already has North African manufacturing and distribution licenses with brands such as Billabong, Elements, O’Neil and Rip Curl.

“Our company is pleased to enter into a partnership with Kennek to maximize the potential of the Gotcha brand in North Africa,” stated Perry Ellis CEO and President Oscar Feldenkreis. “We feel Kennek will be a terrific partner and are excited about the prospects of being in North Africa which falls in line with our plans to extend our business reach.”
 
As Perry Ellis International continues to push its global expansion, the company has signed a series of international licensing deals since the beginning of the year, including two for its flagship Perry Ellis brand in South Korea – for underwear and eyewear –, and another two in Mexico for the design and distribution of men’s tailored apparel and accessories under the Original Penguin brand.

The first North African Gotcha store launch is slated for November 2018.