NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Shoebox New York®, the first multi-brand women's luxury footwear franchise, officially unveiled its new store design yesterday at an event in Greenvale, NY. The guest list for the cocktail reception included an array of professionals from the fashion, retail and franchising industries. Shoebox New York is managed by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands, Inc.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091028/NY01033 )

The Shoebox New York event debuted the new look of the brand's retail environment, a design concept that is being franchised domestically and internationally. In attendance were Kenneth J. Hall, CEO of NexCen Brands; Chris Dull, president of NexCen Franchise Management; Richard Kirshenbaum, Founder & Partner, Shoebox New York and Principal of the largest licensee of the brand; store designer Sergio Mannino; shoe designer Arturo Chiang and representatives from the Camuto Group. NexCen collaborated with designer Sergio Mannino to transform the 50-year-old family-owned brand into a retail environment with the aesthetics and functionality appropriate for an internationally franchised concept.

"We were pleased to have the opportunity to bring these individuals and companies together to celebrate the new design concept," said Chris Dull, president of NexCen Franchise Management, Inc. "This is an exciting time for the brand as it continues to expand both internationally and domestically, and it was our pleasure to introduce the new store design to these industry professionals."

Shoebox New York carries designs from top European and American designers. The store also carries a selection of handbags and accessories that compliment the inventory of luxury footwear. The spring 2010 Vince Camuto handbag collection was on display at the unveiling.

As the first multi-brand luxury footwear franchise, Shoebox is uniquely positioned for expansion. In February 2008, Shoebox announced the signing of a master franchise agreement in South Korea representing the first entry for this franchise globally. The agreement was signed for a minimum of 20 stores over a 25 year term. Since then, Shoebox New York has opened doors in South Korea, Vietnam and Kuwait. Current growth plans extend to major US cities: New York, Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and Dallas. In addition, Shoebox will expand into target international markets such as Asia, Europe, Canada, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

About Shoebox New York (www.shoeboxny.com)

The Shoebox New York concept had its genesis from Shoebox, one of New York's premier women's multi-brand retailers for luxury footwear, handbags and accessories. Established in 1954 and known for its vast product assortment and trend-setting styles from top European and American designers, Shoebox garnered a dedicated following of sophisticated women. Shoebox New York continues this tradition by offering high-quality, high-fashion shoes and accessories in franchised stores in the U.S. in New York and Florida and now internationally in Vietnam.

About NexCen Brands, Inc. (www.nexcenbrands.com)

NexCen Brands, Inc. is a strategic brand management company with a focus on franchising. It owns a portfolio of franchise brands that includes two retail franchises: TAF(TM), previously known as The Athlete's Foot(®), and Shoebox New York®, as well as five quick service restaurant (QSR) franchises: Great American Cookies®, MaggieMoo's®, Marble Slab Creamery®, Pretzelmaker® and Pretzel Time®. The brands are managed by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands.

SOURCE NexCen Brands, Inc.