Xtep

Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong-based Xtep International Holdings Limited is a Chinese manufacturer of sporting goods. The company, founded in 2001, debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's Main Board on June 3, 2008. That is one of the sports apparel and equipment companies in China.

Sports equipment, including footwear, clothing, and accessories, is the main focus of Xtep's design, development, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and brand management activities. With a vast distribution network of more than 6,300 stores in 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities throughout the PRC and abroad, Xtep is a well-known professional sports brand. The brand portfolio of Xtep has been significantly diversified in 2019 to now include four international brands: K-Swiss, Palladium, Saucony, and Merrell.

In 2019, Xtep implemented a multi-brand approach. On March 4, Xtep and Wolverine World Wide Inc. entered into an agreement to form a joint venture to handle the development, marketing, and distribution of footwear, apparel, and accessories under the Merrell and Saucony brands in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Wolverine World Wide Inc. is a designer, marketer, and licensor of a wide range of the world's leading footwear and apparel brands. With a cash payment of US$260 million, Xtep completed the acquisition of K-Swiss Holdings, Inc., on August 1. This company owns the well-known international brands K-Swiss and Palladium.

Pros:

• Cheap: XTEP brands provide a more cost-effective sportswear alternative than other brands.

Cons:

• Restricted Niche: XTEP brands' product lines have been restricted to more affordable sportswear. As a result, few people think of them as an outstanding brand.

Founded: 2001
Headquarters: Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
Products: Footwear, apparel, accessories

Website: xtep.com