Brand To Sell Signature Converse Shoes Exclusively At JCPenney

Elton Brand, Converse Agree To Exclusive Shoe Deal With JCPenney

Converse today announced a long-term partnership with 76ers F Elton Brand to create a signature shoe that is available exclusively at JCPenney locations and online at jcp.com. The EB1 shoe, which was released on November 1, will retail for $65. Additional versions of the shoe will be unveiled through next spring. The “EB” logo on the shoe features his initials and the letter “D,” which pays homage to his mother Daisy and his Dunbar Heights neighborhood near Peekskill, New York. The logo is embossed on the midfoot strap. The EB1 will be supported through a national radio campaign, in-store signage, the retailer's circular advertising and on both converse.com and jcp.com. Converse also has NBA deals with Heat G Dwyane Wade, Bulls G Kirk Hinrich and Jazz G Kyle Korver, among others (Converse).

FUN RUN: In Philadelphia, Paul Vigna reports more than 200 kids on Saturday "were invited to participate in Converse's Philly Run program, in which they competed in pick-up basketball games and received Converse gear," including a free pair of Brand's EB1 shoes. Throughout the '08-09 NBA season, Converse "will host the Philly Run basketball program," which is free for all participants and "will take place once a month through May" (PHILLY.com, 11/10).