August 8 – Manchester United continue to drive regional partnerships with the announcement of Sbenu, South Korea as the club’s Official Casual Footwear Partner in South Korea. The club’s Official Timekeeping Partner, Bulova has also unveiled its Manchester United Club Watch.
Sbenu is a relatively new company having been established in 2013 but the company has seen aggressive growth in South Korea and recently opened its 100th store and is about to open its 100th franchise. Sbenu will have the exclusive rights to produce and market Manchester United branded casual footwear in South Korea.
Sbenu CEO, Hyo-Jin HWANG comments: “Sbenu has quickly gained market reputation and became a household name in South Korea for its continued commitment to product and marketing innovation.
“Through our partnership with Manchester United, the world’s biggest football club, we look forward to delivering innovative co-marketing initiatives to the fans to ensure Sbenu stays at the forefront of their mind as South Korea’s leading shoe brand.”
The club estimates its South Korean fanbase at 15 million.
In contrast to the newness of Sbenu, Bulova has been making timepieces since 1895. The £350 Manchester United watch is available online now and will be launched in the club’s Old Trafford Meagastore in October.
The watch gives a significant nod to the club’s history features with markers in United’s original colours on the 18 minute, symbolising the year 1878, when the team was first formed. The club’s links to the Lancashire and Yorkshire railways are also illustrated with a train track running between the 12 hour and 18 minute markers.
Bold red marks the timepiece’s seventh hour, a nod to the team’s iconic number seven shirt, worn by club greats such as George Best, Bryan Robson and David Beckham. The 23 minute marker has been blacked out in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the 1958 Munich air disaster.
The United Trinity, George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton are honoured in red at numbers seven, nine and ten minute markers, representing the squad numbers they wore. And a red 20-minute marker highlights the club’s league title haul.
Manchester United’s Group Managing Director Richard Arnold said: “Bulova has been creating quality timepieces since 1875, just three years before the Club was formed. They understand how the Club’s history makes us who we are and we are delighted Bulova have commemorated some of United’s most important moments within this specially designed watch.”
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