Weltbild D2C Group acquires bag label Fitz & Huxley
The purchase of the Berlin label for minimalist and durable backpacks and accessories underlines the expansion in the megatrend of sustainability
Augsburg/ Berlin 01/09/2024 – The Weltbild D2C Group has acquired the Berlin-based backpack and bag label Fitz & Huxley as of January 1, 2024 in order to position itself even more effectively in the sustainability megatrend. Fitz & Huxley aims to combine three values with its products: Design, functionality for every day and sustainability. Since its foundation in 2015, the products have stood for a minimalist, timeless design that is not limited to a seasonal trend and can therefore be used for years to come. The label uses high-quality natural and sustainable materials to create durable products that are produced in a socially and ecologically responsible way.
Timeless design and durability based on ecological responsibility
Ecological and social responsibility play a central role at Fitz & Huxley, both in production and in the plastic-free shipping of products. At the production site in India, plastic is collected from beaches and riverbanks, recycled and used to make new backpacks and bags. The OCEAN line, for example, protects the oceans from plastic pollution and reduces the CO2 footprint of production. The OCEAN collection from Fitz & Huxley represents the world’s first backpacks made from ocean plastic with a fully certified supply chain, controlled by an independent organization.
Customer-oriented sustainable range as a counterpoint to the fast fashion trend
“With this important purchase, we are further strengthening our commitment to the sustainability megatrend. As a manufacturer of backpacks and accessories, Fitz & Huxley provides a counterpoint to the fast fashion trend,” emphasizes Christian Sailer, CEO of the Weltbild D2C Group. “With this step, we are strengthening our sustainable range for the growing circle of consumers who shop consciously. The high-quality and stylish backpacks and bags complement our brands and product ranges very well.”
Growth for Fitz & Huxley by utilizing the Weltbild D2C distribution reach
Lars Meßmann, founder of Fitz & Huxley: “We are delighted that Fitz & Huxley has found a partner in the Weltbild D2C Group whose sales strength will give us access to over 20 million customers of the Group and expand the sustainable segment with our products.” Founder Lars Meßmann will continue to accompany the company and develop it together with Weltbild CEO Christian Sailer. For the Berlin-based company, this is an important step towards further profitable growth.
Fitz & Huxley will continue to operate as an independent brand in Berlin. In the Weltbild D2C Group, the wide reach of the multichannel platforms of the brands Weltbild, kinderwelt tausendkind, Gesundheitswelt Orbisana and others will be used for additional growth of Fitz & Huxley as part of the direct-to-consumer strategy (D2C). The further internationalization of sales is also planned. The brand has over 100,000 followers on the social media channels Facebook and Instagram. The Weltbild D2C Group, which is one of the largest multi-channel retailers of media and non-media products in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Düsseldorf-based investment and consulting company Droege Group.
About Fitz & Huxley
Since Fitz & Huxley was founded in 2015, its products have stood for a minimalist, timeless design that is not limited to a seasonal trend and can therefore be used for years to come. The label does not want to be part of disposable fast fashion and instead uses high-quality natural or sustainable materials to create long-lasting products that are produced in a socially and ecologically responsible way. As a Berlin label, Fitz & Huxley designs bags that embody the spirit of its beloved city. Fitz & Huxley creates the perfect equipment for the daily urban adventure or the venture to new shores.
The Weltbild D2C Group (approx. € 500 million revenue in 2022) with its brands Weltbild, teNeues, Kinderwelt tausendkind, Paul Valentine, Groundies, Gärtner Pötschke, Orbisana, Jokers, bücher.de, D2C digital and D2C ReCommerce is one of the largest multi-channel retailers in the field of media and non-media products in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). The Weltbild brand acts as a multi-channel provider (catalog, online, stationary stores and social media) and enables shop-in-shop strategies for own brands as well as brands of cooperation partners with complementary product ranges. Weltbild creates themed worlds for its customers that combine publishing products and a selected non-media range. Weltbild has been awarded the seal “Voted Customer Service of the Year 2024” in the Mail Order category. More at: www.weltbildd2cgroup.com
About Droege Group
The Droege Group (founded in 1988) is an independent investment and consulting firm, completely family-owned. The company acts as a specialist for tailor-made transformation programs with the aim of increasing company value. The Droege Group combines its family business structure and capital strength into a family equity business model. The Group invests equity in “special opportunities” with a focus on medium-sized companies and spin-offs as well as strategically in buy & build transactions. With the guiding principle “Implementation – by every trick in the book”, the group is one of the pioneers of implementation-oriented corporate development. The Droege Group’s entrepreneurial platforms are geared towards long-term megatrends. Enthusiasm for quality, innovation and speed determines the company’s development. The Droege Group has successfully positioned itself in the market both nationally and internationally and is operationally active with its entrepreneurial platforms in 30 countries.
More at: www.droege-group.com
Contact: Eva Großkinsky
Weltbild GmbH & Co. KG
Head of Corporate Communications
Mail: Eva.grosskinsky@weltbild.com
Phone: 0821 7004 5555
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