Kitson was established just
ten years ago on hip Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles and has quickly become the favorite stop for many celebrities and the "who's who" in Hollywood. The boutique's merchandise is seen in leading fashion and lifestyle publications and is cited by many of these same magazines as the shopping destination for the latest trends. Kitson's team of buyers creates and hunts for the hottest and newest trends as they shop the world. Kitson has grown to be known internationally as the place to stop and shop when
in L.A.
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It became apparent that one of the largest consumer groups to visit the Kitson stores were the Japanese tourists. Creative Brands Group saw an opportunity to work with one of their favorite manufacturing partners — Itochu Corporation. The introductions were made
and expansion plans soon began to take shape for Kitson Japan!
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Having signed an agreement with Kitson, Itochu Corporation made a sub-leasing agreement that gave Branding, Inc. exclusive rights to operate the Kitson branded stores in Japan. The agreement covered licensees for Kitson branded products and exclusive right to use the Kitson name in Japan, while opening and operating Kitson shops. "We have found the perfect partners in Itochu and Branding Inc. for Kitson LA's expansion into Japan," says Ken Raasch, CEO of Creative Brands Group. "The Kitson brand is already known by the Japanese consumer, but with Branding's expertise can become the most powerful and trendsetting retail store chain in Japan." The plan called to launch hip, trendy fashions from LA by various means, including selected up-to-the minute imports, development of accessories through collaboration with celebrities, and the proposal of a wide variety of Kitson lifestyles for women, men and kids.
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March 8, 2009: Fashion boutique and trendsetter Kitson LA successfully opened their first mall-based (shop-in-shop) store in Shinjuku/Tokyo, Japan. This launch was just the beginning of Kitson's plan for international expansion into Japan with additional retail locations. The paparazzi were present along with celebrities and about 5000 fans who were excited to be a part of the grand opening. A second store opened on September 6, 2009, Kitson Studio Harajuku debuted at LaForet again, met with traditional paparazzi and fanfare. Kitson continues to open shop in shop locations and is working on plans for further expansion.
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