US-based shoe wholesaler and retailer Brown Shoe Company, Inc. has signed a long-term agreement with Japanese footwear manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer Regal Corporation to open 32 additional Naturalizer brand retail concept stores in the Asian country over the next several years.

Commenting on the move, Brown Shoe chairman and CEO, Ron Fromm, said, "Creating a strong Naturalizer presence in Japan is an important piece of our strategy to build it into a global brand. Naturalizer's concept of style and comfort is one that is relevant to women in all parts of the world, and opening these stores enables more Japanese consumers to fully experience the brand." He added, "Brown Shoe has had a great relationship with Regal Corporation for more than 40 years, and its vast experience in the Japanese footwear market combined with its brand-building expertise makes Regal Corporation an ideal partner for developing Naturalizer in Japan."

Launched in the USA in 1927, Naturalizer is currently ranked as the number two US women's fashion footwear brand according to an NPD report.