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 their 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 & CEO, 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.’”
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. The agency creates and nurtures long lasting relationships with retailers and brands.
“We are honored at the opportunity to be partnering with CASIO. G-SHOCK is a heritage brand and has deep roots in the lifestyle and action sports market,” said Partow.
“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 onboard will help us reconnect with a core community and reach consumers in these segments more directly through enhanced relationships with key retailers.”
G-SHOCK is currently sold in-store at major department stores such as Macy’s, specialty retailers such as Zumiez, select jewelers, the G-SHOCK flagship store in New York City, and online at shopcasio.com.
About G-SHOCK
CASIO’s shock-resistant G-SHOCK watch is synonymous with toughness, born from the developer Mr. Ibe’s dream of ‘creating a watch that never breaks’. Over 200 handmade samples were created and tested to destruction until finally in 1983 the first, now iconic G-SHOCK hit the streets of Japan and began to establish itself as ‘the toughest watch of all time’. Each watch encompasses the 7 elements; electric shock resistance, gravity resistance, low temperature resistance, vibration resistance, water resistance, shock resistance and toughness. The watch is packed with Casio innovations and technologies to prevent it from suffering direct shock; this includes internal components protected with urethane and suspended timekeeping modules inside the watch structure. Since its launch, G-SHOCK has continued to evolve, continuing to support on Mr. Ibe’s mantra “never, never give up.” www.gshock.com
About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.
