WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group have partnered with omnichannel fashion retailer I.T Group to expedite the expansion of fashion label Marc Jacobs throughout Greater China.
The arrangement involves I.T Group purchasing the current Marc Jacobs Greater China operating entity while obtaining a fresh long-term licence for the label.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
This contract is the initial cross-border licensing pact executed since WHP Global and G-III collectively took ownership of the worldwide Marc Jacobs brand in September 2026.
In accordance with the deal, the omnichannel retailer will direct the label’s operational activities throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
WHP Global founder, chairman and CEO Yehuda Shmidman said: “Marc Jacobs has a distinctive creative identity and strong global recognition, with significant opportunities to expand. This is just the beginning.”
Relying on the established retail presence of Marc Jacobs, I.T Group intends to commit financial resources towards widening the brand’s territorial footprint by opening standalone boutiques, shop-in-shop units, wholesale channels, and digital commerce networks.
Established in Hong Kong in 1988 and led by Sham Kar Wai, I.T Group maintains more than 280 sales locations together with an online commerce portal that carries upwards of 400 streetwear, contemporary, and designer labels.
The partnership corresponds with the licensing-focused commercial models pursued by both brand owners.
Sham added: “With our omnichannel platform, deep local market knowledge and nearly four decades of experience building international fashion brands in the region, we see significant potential to accelerate the brand’s growth through retail expansion and digital commerce, bringing Marc Jacobs to more consumers across Greater China.”
WHP Global directs a brand portfolio responsible for more than $9.5bn in yearly retail sales in more than 80 countries.
Last month, WHP Global-owned Toys ‘R’ Us announced plans to grow its stand-alone US estate by 120 units, taking the toy retailer’s aggregate standalone US store base to 160.
Meanwhile, G-III Apparel Group, which operates as an apparel manufacturing and brand management business, owns more than 30 proprietary and licensed fashion labels, including DKNY, Donna Karan, and Karl Lagerfeld.
