Caleres’ subsidiary lifestyle brand Sam Edelman has acquired four additional licensees to expand its three brands – Sam Edelman, Circus NY by Sam Edelman, and Sam & Libby – into new lifestyle categories.

New licencing partners include HB Connections (handbags), Esquire Brands (kid’s shoes), Gina Group (hosiery), and My Step Global (slippers). These licensees will join the brand’s current partners, S Rothschild (dresses and outerwear), One Jeanswear Group (denim and ready-to-wear), and Randa Apparel and Accessories (belts).

“The addition of four new licensees is another growth milestone for Sam Edelman,” said Jesse Edelman, senior VP and GM of Sam Edelman. 

“We’re confident in our partners’ abilities to bring our passion for our consumer to life across four new categories.”

Sam Edelman and Sam & Libby will launch handbags this autumn in conjunction with designer handbag maker HB Connections, aiming to speak directly to their target audiences. 

Sam Edelman will also debut a new collection of children’s footwear licenced by Esquire Brands, hosiery licenced by Gina Group, and slippers licenced by My Step Global. These agreements signify a watershed moment for all three Sam Edelman brands, as they continue to grow into new lifestyle categories to fulfil the diverse fashion needs of their worldwide audiences.

Kids’ footwear and hosiery will be available in the spring, with slippers arriving in the autumn.

Caleres has also appointed Andrew Leckie as senior VP and general merchandise manager of Famous Footwear. In this position, he will be in charge of buying and merchandising for the adult athletic, kids, and Canadian businesses.

Leckie started his career in athletics and footwear about 30 years ago, and has merchandising management expertise in Asia Pacific, Canada, and the US. He has held many leadership positions in North America, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker. Leckie’s most recent position was VP and general merchandise manager at Champs Sports.