Walt Disney Co. (DIS) announced that they will work with Payless ShoeSource Inc. (PSS) on a line of Disney-themed footwear, a deal that essentially cuts out the licensing middleman.
The direct-to-retail agreement will have Disney collaborating with Payless to develop and sell shoes exclusively in 4,600 Payless stores and also on Payless.com.
The usual way this works is the company signs deals with licensees who then take the products to the retailers. With this arrangement Disney will have more control over its brand. The designs so far include Disney and Disney Pixar characters such as Disney Princesses, Nemo and Winnie the Pooh. The shoes should be available this spring.
Read the full MSNBC.com article here.
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