Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters Inc. has entered into an exclusive distribution and marketing agreement for its Free People brand in Japan. The multiyear agreement with Kobe, Japan-based World Co. Ltd. will mark the retailer’s first full-scale entry into the Japanese market, and is expected to commence with the Free People brand’s spring 2013 collection. Under the agreement, World Co. will have the right to distribute merchandise through in-store shop locations, a standalone store, direct-to-consumer sites, distribute to specialty store and department store wholesale accounts, and market the brand throughout Japan.
