Mumbai: Kickers, a French lifestyle brand renowned for its bold style and cultural significance since the 1970s, has officially made its foray into the Indian market. To spearhead its digital presence, Kickers has partnered with Team Pumpkin as its integrated digital marketing agency. The account will be handled by the agency’s Kolkata team.
As part of the mandate, Team Pumpkin will manage social media, website development and maintenance, and performance marketing. The agency has already developed and launched Kickers’ India website, laying a strong digital foundation for the brand. The next phase will focus on establishing brand awareness among India’s Gen Z and millennial audiences through heritage storytelling, localised content, and high-impact digital campaigns.
Sharing his thoughts, Jinnah Rafiq, Chairman – Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd, said, “Our commitment has always been to bring iconic, meaningful brands to the Indian market. Kickers is not just a footwear label—it’s a symbol of attitude, identity, and originality. With the right digital force behind it, we’re confident it will strike a powerful chord with India’s young consumers.”
Dr. N Mohan, Director (Chief Executive, Footwear Business), added, “At Kothari Footwears, we see the entry of Kickers as more than a market expansion, it’s a cultural moment. With Team Pumpkin’s creative prowess and our shared vision for the brand, we aim to build a digital footprint that’s as bold as the Kickers legacy itself.”
Speaking on the partnership, Manish Ahlawat, Vice President – Kickers South Asia & Middle East, commented, “Kickers has always represented individuality and creative expression. As we enter a dynamic and diverse market like India, our approach is rooted in connecting with young audiences through digital-first narratives. We found a strong partner in Team Pumpkin—their strategic clarity and cultural insight stood out.”
Rashi Garodia, Business Head – Team Pumpkin, Kolkata, shared, “This is an exciting opportunity to shape how an iconic global brand takes root in India. Our team is focused on building a narrative that’s authentic to Kickers’ legacy while staying relevant to Indian consumers. We’re looking forward to crafting content and campaigns that make a lasting impact.”
