Sean John – the clothing label founded by hip-hop entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs – has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Macy’s.
The nation’s biggest department-store chain – which lately has scored exclusives with brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Martha Stewart — will begin selling Sean John sportswear exclusively in spring 2011.
“I got my start at Macy’s when I was 16, selling shirts and ties,” Combs told The Post in an interview today. “To come full circle like this is a dream come true.”
Combs and Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren declined to specifically discuss the terms of the agreement. But in response to a question from The Post, Combs said Sean John has “done more than $1 billion of business at Macy’s, and we plan to do a couple billion more.”
Macy’s initially will begin selling Sean John exclusively at 400 stores – or about half of its nationwide chain. But the line will eventually be rolled out to all stores, said Macy’s Chief Merchandising Officer Jeff Gennette.
“Frankly, we turn down 95 percent of the invitations we get to sell these brands exclusively,” Lundgren said, noting that commitments to exclusive distribution deals carry greater risks. “We are committed to make this the most successful launch we’ve had.”