Mario Lopez is expanding the distribution of his eponymous footwear line – this time via a recently expanded deal with Shoe Carnival.
According to Joe Safdeye, executive vice president of SCL Footwear Group, which makes the “Access Hollywood” host’s footwear collection, Mario Lopez shoes are now available in approximately 100 Shoe Carnival stores and online on the retailer’s website.
“The brand within Shoe Carnival has been tremendous. Casual athletic shoes are selling well, as well as the casual dress product,” the executive said.
The “Saved by the Bell” star is planning to make appearances at two Shoe Carnival stores in Houston this month. On Saturday, May 11, Lopez will be at the Northline Commons Shoe Carnival location from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to greet customers. Later that same day, the actor will travel to the retailer’s Southway Shopping Center store to meet customers from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Brett Wortham, vice president and general merchandise manager at Shoe Carnival, added that the company is “thrilled” to have Lopez at two of its Houston stores. “This exciting event is a fantastic opportunity for fans to meet Mario, shop the latest trends and celebrate Mario’s new footwear line available at Shoe Carnival,” Wortham said.
“I am excited about working with our retail partners on the brand and I will be actively involved in promoting the brand and letting my fan base know where they can buy the collection once they are in stores and available to be sold,” Lopez added. “This is a line of shoes that I’m proud to be behind and I’m happy to be working with SCL Footwear Group. Joe and his team have done a fantastic job on developing the line and I’m excited about what they have coming down the road for the brand.”
Lopez inked a licensing deal with SCL Footwear in May 2022, an agreement that was executed by ACI Licensing. At the time of the announcement, SCL Footwear – which also has licensing deals with Goodyear, Nanette Lepore, and Daisy Fuentes.
In October, Lopez launched a dedicated e-commerce site for his sneaker collection, made its wholesale debut at Shoe Dept./Encore stores in September.
The first Mario Lopez Collection sneaker range, which FN teased back in June, featured an assortment of five styles for men in classic colorways like black, navy and white. All sneaker models available on Lopez’s site currently retail for $69.99. The full footwear range retails between $50 to $80.
Looking ahead to fall 2024, the Mario Lopez Collection will continue to expand into new categories – with items like a Chelsea boot and hybrid sneaker in the works, Safdeye said.
“We are excited to continue to work with Mario and his team on the expansion,” added Safdeye. “Mario’s keen awareness of style and trend has allowed us to develop and continue to develop trend right looks for both casual and formal everyday footwear.”
