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HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., July 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --ÌýKmart is upping its game and teaming up with Risewearâ„¢ to launch a new lifestyle athleisure brand of maximum performance footwear via "The Riseâ„¢ Challenge" – an epic parking lot slam dunk contest. Together, Risewear and Kmart – the exclusive U.S. retailer – provide access to top-performing contemporary shoes without breaking the budget for shoppers and fans.

"We are thrilled to launch such a contemporary lifestyle brand," said Demetrius Spencer, Risewear co-founder and chief executive officer. "We could not have asked for a better partner than Kmart, who is supporting us in delivering a premium product at a value-driven price point."

The line features shoes for the whole family, including men's basketball, athletic and casual shoes and sandals, all under $45.00. Additionally, women's and kids' lines will be added this holiday season.

"This ridiculously awesome new brand and first-of-its kind partnership is a slam dunk for our members and shoppers," said Kelly Cook, chief marketing officer at Kmart. "This furthers our commitment to offering products our Kmart members want at prices they can't pass up."

Risewear footwear is available at select Kmart stores and .

The Tip-Off Event: The Riseâ„¢ Challenge
To celebrate the exclusive launch, Kmart is sponsoring The Riseâ„¢ Challenge, a series of interactive and unique fan-focused sporting entertainment experiences. The events feature competitions between some of the world's top dunkers on custom branded half-courts at Kmart parking lots in six cities around the country. The marquee attraction is the epic dunk contest featuring current Risewear athlete and veteran dunker Taurian "Air Up There" Fontenette along with the nation's top four dunkers, Chris Staples, Guy Dupuy, Porter Maberry and Jonathan Clark, as they lay it all on the line in competition for the grand prize.Ìý

The first Rise Challenge champion will receive a signature capsule collection contract with Risewear, which will include a self-designed shoe in their own name, an apparel and accessories line and the brag-worthy title of Risewear Brand Ambassador for one year.Ìý

The buzz-worthy fan experience is complete with a live DJ pumping the jams, athlete meet and greets and hot giveaways. The events also feature free customization stations where fans can add a unique laser printed design to their new shoes, such as a name, number, hometown or initials, or have them airbrushed by a graffiti artist (a $200 value!). This luxurious amenity makes and Risewear the first-ever value-driven lifestyle brand to offer customized products.

The Rise Challenge kicks off with a mega-launch and blowout party in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, July 16 to get fans hyped for a summer of unbelievable performances. After the Los Angeles event, the dunk contest will dribble across the nation, featuring meet and greet events and fan experiences in the following cities:

• July 17– Kmart North Hollywood (13007 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, CA 91605)
• July 23– Kmart Hayward (26231 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94544)
• July 30– Kmart Miami (12350 South West 8th Street, Miami, FL 33184)
• August 6– Kmart Washington D.C (6411 Riggs Road, Hayattsville, MD 20783)
• August 13– Kmart Jersey City (321 Stadium Plaza, Suite. 10, Jersey City, NJ 07305-4877)
• August 20– Kmart Chicago (3443 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60618)

For free digital tickets to The Rise Challenge, download the Kmart app on your smartphone device. Each download scores access for you and up to three friends. Don't forget to follow every dunk and air ball on social with @rise_wear and #risewithkmart.

About Kmart
is making shopping fun again. The retailer, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is bringing back the iconic Bluelight Specials, hosting Freebie Saturdays and in-store family events for its members and customers. Kmart offers customers thrilling deals and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands including Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense.

About Risewear
Risewear is a lifestyle athleisure brand born from today's culture that carries the cool factor and blurs the line between sportswear and every day wear. It is for the customer who blends comfort with cool and wants swag that makes sense. The company was created by the Spencer brothers, Demetrius Spencer and Nick Spencer. ÌýThe first collection mixes premium performance and lifestyle footwear with a curated color palette. For more information, please visit RiseWear.com or connect with the brand's social media channels at @rise_wear.

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SOURCE Kmart