Allbirds Announces Completion of Two International Distributor Deals

Footwear brand finalizes agreements that will cover Australasia and Japan

SAN FRANCISCO, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allbirds Inc., a global lifestyle brand that innovates with sustainable materials to make better footwear and apparel products in a better way, announced the completion of its previously announced agreements with distributor partners in Australasia and Japan.

With the completion of these agreements, Allbirds has transitioned four international regions from direct selling to a distributor model. The shift from a direct go-to-market model to a third-party distributor model is one of the key pillars under Allbirds’s previously announced Strategic Transformation Plan. In 2023, the Company transitioned to new partners in Canada and South Korea, and continues to explore distribution opportunities in other international geographies.

Effective June 1, 2024, world-renowned industry leader Goldwin Inc. will be the exclusive Allbirds distributor in Japan, bringing decades of expertise in the region. Beginning July 1, 2024, Compendium Group will be Allbirds’ first appointed Australasian distributor, focused on continuing to build brand awareness and affinity across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, with a proven track record among breakthrough brands.

“We are proud to partner with illustrious distributors in two important regions for Allbirds,” said Annie Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer of Allbirds. “Goldwin is a world-class distributor and we look forward to benefiting from their regional knowledge and expertise as we build brand awareness in Japan. Australasia, including our spiritual home of New Zealand, is a significant market for our brand, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Compendium to lead our efforts in this region.”

“From its birth, Allbirds always drew our attention for its unique sustainable approach in business and products,” said Mori Hikari, Managing Executive Officer of Goldwin Inc. “As we pride ourselves in being one of the most outdoor/sports committed, environmentally focused companies in Japan, we are extremely happy to partner with Allbirds. We believe our partnership will surely accelerate not only Goldwin’s commitment to sustainable growth but also our society’s awareness of it.”