Fast-fashion retailer Ardene has announced that it has signed a Canadian-exclusive design partnership with KENDALL & KYLIE, the clothing and lifestyle brand belonging to celebrity sister act Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
The Montreal-based chain confirmed that the partnership would officially launch on Saturday, June 23 with a 77-piece, summer-themed capsule collection available at 250 Ardene locations across Canada and online at ardene.com. Eight flagship Ardene stores – including the locations at West Edmonton Mall, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Square One in Mississauga and CF Carrefour Laval near Montreal – will host VIP preview shopping events for Ardene loyalty program members on Friday, June 22. Additional capsule collections are slated to launch in August and November 2018.
“Our goal is to elevate the customer experience in everything we do,” said Mark Dervishian, Ardene COO. “Kendall and Kylie are without a doubt two of the biggest and most relevant influencers worldwide. With this collaboration, we hope to continue exceeding customer expectations.”
“Social influencers have become a driving force behind an increasing number of our campaigns. These partnerships are relevant and relatable, and give customers the 360-degree experience they expect,” added Elisabeth Couture, Brand Manager at Ardene. “Our track record with celebrity partnerships demonstrates that these product lines tend to sell out quickly, and given the profile of Kendall and Kylie – who have over 200 million Instagram followers combined – we have every expectation that this collaboration will set a new standard for the Canadian fashion retail industry.”
“We are thrilled with what Ardene is doing in the retail sector. We feel that Ardene is one of the most on-point retail partners. Their relationship with the KENDALL & KYLIE demographic fits in our wheelhouse perfectly,” said Brian Cytrynbaum of Majestic Mills, who holds the global license for KENDALL & KYLIE. “They are really on-trend and appear to be the best Canadian retailer in the category.”
The KENDALL & KYLIE collaboration marks the latest step in Ardene’s strategy to cater to ‘Generation Z’ – the post-millennial generation of consumers that range from teenagers to early twentysomethings. The chain continues to open a series of modern new large-format, open-concept stores designed as a premier, one-stop shopping destination for apparel trends, fashion basics, shoes and accessories. Ardene’s latest bricks-and-mortar strategy puts the digital experience front and centre with giant LED screens; phone charging stations; social hangout zones; and Instagram-friendly photo booths.
Additional new store openings are anticipated throughout 2018.
