Business news : Topo Athletic Names U.S. Sales Reps

Topo Athletic, the footwear start-up launched by the former CEO of Vibram FiveFingers, named six sales agencies who will help launch the brand this summer.

To date, Topo Athletic has hired the following sales agencies to manage the brand in their respective regions: Kahl and Partners (Rockies), Kevin Brew and Associates (Mid Atlantic), Northwest Reps (North West), Sullivan-Bishop Agency (Mid South), Up East Sales (New England) and Waypoint Sales (Mid West).

The additions come quickly after the January appointment of Chris Cohen, formerly of New Balance Athletic, as vice president of sales for Topo Athletic. The brand's launch, at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show in January, generated a great deal of excitement around the Topo product concept, allowing the existing sales agencies to quickly capitalize on the buzz and generate some early momentum.

"Our objective from the outset was to align with best-in-class sales agencies that possess both the business acumen and service mindset required to succeed in today's competitive market," said Chris Cohen, vice president of sales for Topo Athletic. "We're thrilled that the agencies we've partnered with today have exactly that; their collective focus on dealer service, support, and grassroots activation -- from the buying office to the sales floor -- makes them a great fit and tremendous ambassadors for the Topo Athletic brand. As we round out our sales organization, we look forward to partnering with more like-minded agencies that have proven track records and the ability to build strong retail relationships."

"Working with the entire team at Topo Athletic has been very exciting, and represents a great opportunity for our agency," said Tracy Ross, principle of Northwest Sales Reps. "We've seen significant growth in the lightweight athletic shoe market, and retailers have been extremely receptive to Topo's brand message and product as their customers continually seek to add to their lineup of running and training shoes."

Topo Athletic was founded by Tony Post, who built Vibram FiveFingers into a $100 million brand in five years. It founded in 2012, funded by Norwest Venture Partners, and is based in Newton, Mass.

( Source Topo Athletic through SportsOneSource )