Authentic Announces Partnership with Gardiner Bros to Reintroduce Sperry in the UK and Ireland
Authentic Brands Group, a global brand development and licensing platform, today announces a new partnership with Gardiner Bros (Gardiners) for Sperry. Gardiners is one of the UK’s leading distributors of global footwear and apparel brands and will serve as the official distributor of Sperry footwear for men and women across the UK and Ireland.
“We’re proud to partner with Gardiners to introduce more consumers to Sperry’s storied heritage,” said Henry Stupp President, Lifestyle & Entertainment, EMEIA at Authentic. “With their deep expertise in distribution and strong retail relationships, Gardiner is the ideal partner to accelerate Sperry’s growth in these key markets, bringing signature styles, like the iconic original boat shoe, to a new generation of consumers.”
Sperry has long been recognized in the UK and Ireland as a brand with rich heritage and timeless appeal. This partnership reintroduces the brand to a market where it holds strong awareness and affinity, supporting Sperry’s ongoing global expansion while embracing modern designs and innovations.
“We’re excited to partner with Authentic on Sperry, the original and iconic boat shoe brand,” said Ben Gardiner, Chief Product Officer at Gardiner Bros. “Boat shoes are having a real resurgence, and we look forward to reintroducing timeless silhouettes alongside fresh new styles to customers in the UK and Ireland.”
“With its rich history and growing cultural relevance, Sperry is a strong addition to our portfolio, and we’re excited to build on its success in these markets,” said Emma Jefferies, Head of Brand Marketing at Gardiner Bros.
Sperry’s footwear collections, including its iconic boat shoes and new seasonal assortments, will be available at select retailers and online at sperrytopsider.co.uk.
About Gardiner Bros
Gardiner Bros is a Gloucestershire-based family-run business with over 160 years’ heritage, five successive generations and operates with just over 300 employees. Fifth generation, James Gardiner (CEO) and Ben Gardiner work with a house of directors and a strategic senior management team to drive the business forward. Distributing over 3.5 million items a year, Gardiner Bros is one of the largest UK footwear and apparel distributors operating from over 230,000 sq feet of purpose-built warehouse facilities.
Gardiners distribute and manage leading lifestyle and safety brands holding a wide-ranging portfolio.
About Sperry
Sperry was founded in 1935 by avid sailor, inventor and intrepid explorer Paul Sperry. From the invention of the world's first boat shoe, Sperry is now a global footwear brand that is fully rooted in the history of American style. With the mission to inspire the world to raise their sails and live life fully, Sperry continues to craft the footwear for life’s memorable experiences on, off and by the water.
Sperry is available at better specialty stores, 38 freestanding stores in more than 12 countries worldwide, as well as on Sperry.com. Follow Sperry on Instagram, Facebook and X.
About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a unified platform that integrates M&A, licensing, brand strategy and digital innovation to unlock the power of its global portfolio. It connects iconic sports, lifestyle, entertainment and media brands with best-in-class partners to optimize long-term value in the marketplace. Authentic owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual retail sales. These brands have a significant presence in 150 countries, with more than 13,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 400,000 points of sale worldwide.
Authentic’s portfolio of globally recognized brands includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker. Through its joint venture with Saks Global, Authentic Luxury Group (ALG), it drives growth for luxury and accessible luxury brands, including Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, Vince, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH.
For more information, visit authentic.com.