Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1415972
By Bob McGee N ew York-based WHP Global has acquired the global trademarks for the iconic Italian sports brand Lotto. Financial terms of the intellectual property transaction for the 48-year-old brand were not disclosed. WHP, which describes itself as "a firm that acquires global consumer brands and invests in high-growth distribution channels including digital commerce platforms and global expansion," has granted Italy-based LSI and its CEO Andrea Tomat the rights to continue distributing the Lotto brand in the core markets of Italy, the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Currently distributed in 100 countries, Lotto brand retail sales topped $400 million globally last year, but its presence in the U.S. is minimal. Will that change going forward? WHP Global, which owns the Anne Klein and Joseph Abboud brands and has a substantial stake in the Toys R Us brand, plans to work on accelerating Lotto's presence in product categories, new global markets, and distribution in the U.S. The Lotto brand and its signature double diamond logo are most known in the soccer and tennis markets. In its history, Lotto has been worn by professional soccer teams A.C. Milan and Juventus F.C., and tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Boris Becker. The brand is currently worn by more than 40 soccer teams, over 300 professional soccer players and more than 200 professional tennis players around the world including Italy's Matteo Berrettini, Wimbledon runner-up this year. WHP and LSI will work together to provide design, product development, marketing, and brand management services to Lotto's network of 50+ global partners. n By Cara Griffin T he Enjoiya Group is rolling out new running sneaker collections from the Enjoiya and Secret Celebrity brands. The running styles debuted in Spring/Summer 2021 on a limited basis, and will now be available in a broader assortment for Fall '21 and Spring '22, with the Secret Celebrity MIA runner, as well as multiple styles in the Enjoiya Val-Venosta series. Enjoiya Group founder and CEO Frank Cammarata says, "The sneaker category has become a dress-up and dress-down lifestyle staple. Hence, our new sneaker collections skillfully merge fashion, function and comfort." The MIA features a removable insole and raised arch support. Colors are bright and on-trend. Navy, plum and gray as well as stylish zebra and leopard prints take this collection one step beyond the norm. Prices for the Secret Celebrity MIA styles range from $69.99 to $89.99. Styles in the Enjoiya Val-Venosta series feature Extralight performance comfort outsoles that add softness and flexibility to a basic running shoe. Utilizing genuine leather upper and leather lining, the shoes flash fashion elements such as metallic leathers, python snake embellishments and laser-cut perforated designs. Offerings within the Val- Venosta series include the Val-Venosta, a kaleidoscope perforated lace- up running sneaker; the Val-Gardina, a snake lace-up version; and the Val-Tellina; a double gore causal sneaker. Val-Venosta prices range from $129.95 to $199.95. "We have essentially developed footwear with significant performance value in combination with fashion, fit and comfortability, all at affordable prices," notes Cammarata. n Is Lotto Set to Make a U.S. Comeback? Secret Celebrity + Enjoiya Are Ready to Run ACQUISITION LINE LAUNCH Italy's Matteo Berrettini, Wimbledon runner-up this year, wears Lotto. The Secret Celebrity MIA runner is ready for takeoff. THE FOOTWEAR EYE "We have essentially developed footwear with significant performance value in combination with fashion, fit and comfortability, all at affordable prices." In its history, Lotto has been worn by professional soccer teams A.C. Milan and Juventus F.C., and tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Boris Becker. 4 • Footwear Insight ~ September/October 2021 footwearinsight.com