New products: Converse Debuts Fall 2013 Hudson's Bay Company Jack Purcell Collection

The Hudson's Bay Company iconic blanket is used for the first time on a sneaker. 

Converse Inc. debuts its Fall 2013 Converse Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell sneaker collection. Designed in collaboration with Canada’s premium retailer, Hudson’s Bay, this collection merges the worldly heritage of the iconic Hudson’s Bay multi-stripe blanket with the equally iconic Jack Purcell sneaker, executed in the brand’s primary signature colors. For the first time ever, the actual woolen blanket is used in these one-of-a-kind styles for Fall 2013.

Available in the Converse unisex Jack Purcell, Duck Boot and women’s Helen silhouettes, each style embodies the Hudson’s Bay Company wool point blanket stripes, features threaded stitching and antique brass eyelets, and includes the Jack Purcell and Hudson’s Bay logos on the foot bed. These silhouettes also carry an official “Seal of Quality” maintaining the authenticity of Hudson’s Bay Company.

Additionally, the Jack Purcell Duck features a leather collar and heel stay, as well as embroidery on the tongue of the shoe, generating an elevated style that merges these two iconic worlds.

Hudson’s Bay Company, founded in 1670 is North America’s longest continually operated company and one of the oldest in the world. For more than two centuries, the Hudson’s Bay Company point blanket has been a familiar staple in Canada and across the world. Mirroring the execution of the blanket, the wool used on the sneakers is dyed before it is spun, then air and sun dried to brighten the colors. The signature multistripe pattern features four traditional colors popularized in the 18^th century.

The Converse Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell sneaker collection will be available for purchase at Hudson’s Bay Stores for a suggested retail price of $120-140 starting Sept. 1.

ABOUT CONVERSE

Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including lifestyle men's, women's and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 78 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Media.Converse.com.

ABOUT HBC

The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), founded in 1670, is North America's longest continually operated company. In Canada, HBC operates Hudson's Bay, Canada's largest department store with 90 locations, unsurpassed in its fashion, beauty, home and accessory designers and brands, as well as thebay.com. HBC also operates Home Outfitters, Canada's largest home specialty superstore with 69 locations across the country. In the United States, HBC operates Lord & Taylor, a department store with 48 full-line store locations throughout the northeastern United States and in two major cities in the Midwest, and lordandtaylor.com. With approximately 29,000 Associates in Canada and the U.S., Hudson's Bay Company banners provide stylish, quality merchandise at great value, with a dedicated focus on service excellence. The Hudson's Bay Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "HBC".

PRESS CONTACTS

Lacy Pica / Converse / 646.563.7830 / Lacy.pica@converse.com   
Kelly Ricci /HL Group / 212.529.5533 / kricci@hlgrp.com
Michelle Veilleux / Hudson’s Bay / 416.861.4306 / michelle.veilleux@hbc.com