UNIQLO Continues USA Expansion Plans

Announcing New Stores on the East and West Coasts and in the Central Region

NEW YORK, April 6, 2015-- UNIQLO, the global apparel retailer and creator of LifeWear – innovative, high-quality clothing that is universal in design and promotes comfort – today announced its next stage of expansion along the East and West Coasts and in the Central Region of the United States. The brand will:

- Continue to build its presence nationwide
- Open stores in the Seattle, Denver and DC Metro area for the first time
- Create recruitment opportunities and seek partnerships with local organizations as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives

Marking the brand's entry in the DC Metro area, UNIQLO will open its first store at Tyson's Corner Center and enter Washington State for the first time, with an initial store at The Bellevue Collection in Seattle. In tandem with these new stores along the East and West Coasts, the company will increase its footprint across the nation by opening a first store in Colorado, at The Denver Pavilions in Denver. All three new stores will house the brand's full assortment of men's, women's and kids' lines.

"Having established a foothold in a number of key locations along the East and West Coasts, we are very pleased to announce our plans to continue to expand our national presence further in these new markets," said Larry Meyer, CEO of UNIQLO USA. "Our LifeWear is versatile, functional and stylish, and I'm confident it will continue to appeal to both an urban environment and an outdoor lifestyle. We have something for everyone to enjoy and feel comfortable wearing, regardless of season or personal style."

The Tysons Corner Center attracts tens of millions of shoppers each year from around the world, and UNIQLO will present its latest collections in a total store space of approximately 10,000 square feet. The UNIQLO store at The Bellevue Collection will be slightly larger, at approximately 13,000 square feet, and its store on Denver's 16th Street, at The Denver Pavilions, will be the largest of the three at approximately 22,000 square feet.

Since opening its first store in New York City's Soho in 2006, UNIQLO has grown its presence to 39 stores across the US – in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles – as well as launched its online shopping channel at www.UNIQLO.com. Separately, the company has announced plans to open a UNIQLO store at Faneuil Hall in Boston this summer, in Chicago on Michigan Avenue this fall and in Toronto, Canada, next year. The Bellevue Collection store will open this fall; The Denver Pavilions and Tysons Corner Center stores will open spring/summer 2016.

More details about the three new stores will be announced closer to the time of opening. For more information on open positions, please visit http://jobs-uniqlo.com/sa/.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading global Japanese retail holding company that designs, manufactures and sells clothing under seven main brands: Comptoir des Cotonniers, GU, Helmut Lang, J Brand, Princesse tam.tam, Theory, and UNIQLO. With global sales of approximately 1.38 trillion yen for the 2014 fiscal year ending August 31, 2014 (US $13.6 billion, calculated in yen using the annual average exchange rate to the end of August 2014 of $1 = 101.5 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world's largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan's leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a truly global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 1,500 stores in 16 markets worldwide including Japan, Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K. and the U.S. In addition, Grameen UNIQLO, a social business established in Bangladesh in September 2010, currently operates several Grameen UNIQLO stores in Dhaka. UNIQLO manages an integrated business model under which it designs, manufactures, markets and sells high-quality, casual apparel. The company believes that truly great clothes should be supremely comfortable, feature universal designs, are of high quality and offer a superb fit to everyone who wears them.

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere.

For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.



SOURCE UNIQLO USA through PRNewswire by press release ©
http://www.UNIQLO.com

Active Gains Momentum With New Store Openings

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA--( Apr 1, 2015) - Last Saturday, Active Ride Shop celebrated a successful grand opening of Active Aliso Viejo, and the company is ramping up for its next store opening in West Covina at the end of May. Active's expansion is gaining momentum with the addition of several new Southern California retail locations.

More than 1,000 skateboarders, locals, fans and industry executives gathered at the Aliso Viejo Town Center on Saturday to welcome Active to the community. With a crowd of excited kids lined up hours before the event began, Active celebrated with their first-ever team signing, free mystery gift cards for the first 150 customers and giveaways. See what went down by watching the event video here: https://vimeo.com/123880124.

For the latest info on Active Ride Shop stay connected with the brand here:

Website: ActiveRideshop.com
Instagram: @ActiveRideShop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activerideshop

ABOUT ACTIVE RIDE SHOP:

Established in 1989, Active Ride Shop maintains its position among the top retailers and ecommerce businesses in the action sports industry. Active Ride Shop has 24 retail locations throughout Southern California and a growing ecommerce business. Active Ride Shop sponsors the most elite skateboarders and snowboarders in the world, and is proud of its offering of the new emerging brands and the latest trends in the industry.

For more information about Active Ride Shop visit activerideshop.com.


SOURCE: Active Ride Shop through Marketwired by press release ©

2015 ROCK Project Launches in San Francisco

Black Diamond Equipment^®, a global innovator in climbing, skiing and mountain sports equipment, along with partner the Access Fund, kicked off the six-stop 2015 ROCK Project Tour with a successful, sold out launch in San Francisco earlier this month. ROCK Project is designed to inspire the growing populations of gym climbers to embrace responsible habits and behaviors when they make the transition outside.

“ROCK Project raises awareness on how we can all be better stewards of the fragile climbing environments we visit,” states Touchstone Climbing and Fitness’ Lyn Barraza, manager of Berkeley Ironworks. “Touchstone looks forward to playing a role in creating cohesive vision within our climbing communities on how best to preserve our local crags and favorite climbing destinations.”

2015 ROCK Project Tour kicked off March 13-15, with a weekend of events including athlete poster signings, climbing clinics, gear raffles, presentations and stewardship projects. Highlights from the weekend included over 200 climbers attending the Planet Granite Climbing, Yoga & Fitness fundraising party where roughly $5800 was raised for Bay Area Climbers Coalition (BACC) and the Access Fund.

The tour stop in San Francisco also included a stewardship project organized by BACC in partnership with the City of Berkeley. Approximately 75 participants from the tour were involved in projects that included picking up trash, brushing off climbing chalk, trail maintenance, weeding and pulling invasive plants in areas affected by high climbing traffic.

“ROCK Project will be pivotal in helping new climbers make the transition from gym to crag responsibly,” explains Stephanie Ko Pound, Planet Granite’s Senior Director of Bay Area and Marketing.

Professional climbers Brittany Griffith, Joe Kinder, Paul Robinson, Kate Rutherford, Chris Schulte, and Cedar Wright attended the weekend festivities.

The ROCK Project Tour makes its next stop in Salt Lake City, April 10-12, with the support of local partners Momentum Indoor Climbing, REI, and Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (SLCA). An all-star cast of professional climbers will attend including Whitney Boland, Paige Claassen, Sam Elias, Hazel Findlay, Daniel Jung, Joe Kinder, Daila Ojeda, JP Ouellete, Chris Schulte, and Barbara Zangerl. In addition to athlete presentations throughout the weekend, there will be a fundraising membership party for the Access Fund and SLCA, climbing clinics and a graffiti and trash removal project scheduled in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Sunday, April 12.

For information on the Salt Lake City stop of the ROCK Project Tour, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-project-tour-salt-lake-city-tickets-15853838257

Future 2015 ROCK Project Tour stops include New York, Seattle, Denver, and Atlanta.




About Black Diamond Equipment:

Black Diamond Equipment is a manufacturer of equipment and clothing for climbing, skiing and mountain sports. By consistently building innovative, standard-setting products and actively preserving the mountain/canyon environment, Black Diamond Equipment has assumed a leadership role in the international outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit BlackDiamondEquipment.com

The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. The Access Fund supports and represents over 6.8 million climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing: rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Six core programs support the mission on national and local levels: climbing management policy, stewardship and conservation, local support and mobilization, land acquisition and protection, risk management and landowner support, and education.

For more information visit www.accessfund.org   


Source Black Diamond Equipment by press release ©

Allen Edmonds & Jack Nicklaus Collaborate on New Collection of Golf Shoes

Featuring Four Brand-New Styles Inspired By Nicklaus' Iconic Courses

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis., April 2, 2015 -- Allen Edmonds, the U.S. premium men's shoe manufacturer headquartered in Port Washington, Wis., is proud to announce its newest line of golf shoes in collaboration with esteemed golf champion Jack Nicklaus.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Collection will feature four brand-new styles, inspired by some of Nicklaus' most iconic courses: the Anaconda, the Bearpath, the Muirfield Village 2.0, and the Renegade. Each respective style will be offered in two colors.

"We're thrilled about our newest line with Jack," said Allen Edmonds CEO Paul Grangaard. "Jack put a lot of ideas into this collaboration, and the final collection really shows that. The shoes are built like a comfortable athletic shoe, but still have a classic look to them –it's the perfect blend of high performance and style. We're incredibly proud to have him as a partner."

Each style in the new collection features the following:

Mesh upper to keep feet cool (Anaconda & Renegade styles)
Breathable, water resistant liner to help keep feet dry.
Ortholite "compression set" foam for long term cushioning and lightweight comfort.
Wider sole platform for greater balance and weight-shift support
Low profile conical tread pattern for superb spikeless traction
Dual density bottom with rigid lateral outrigger
"Jack on 17th" logo and co-brand

All of the styles are handcrafted in the USA of premium imported leathers, using our time-tested 360-degree Goodyear welt manufacturing process. Created in the United States in 1871, this process of joining the shoe's upper to its insole is labor intensive and more expensive than more modern cementing techniques. However, the durability of a Goodyear welted shoe is unmatched and provides the opportunity to re-craft the shoe down the line.

For more information, please visit an Allen Edmonds store near you or visit AllenEdmonds.com

About Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation

Founded in 1922, Allen Edmonds Corporation is a privately held, U.S.-based retailer of premium men's footwear, apparel, leather goods and accessories with a focus on American manufacturing. Allen Edmonds' famous Goodyear welted shoes are handcrafted in Port Washington, Wis. using a 212-step production process. Consistent with the company's heritage, Allen Edmonds remains committed to providing excellent products at exceptional value for style and quality conscious men worldwide. By partnering with like-minded U.S. manufacturers, the company's offering includes men's clothing and accessory needs from head to toe. Allen Edmonds products are available at premier stores worldwide, including 54 company-owned Allen Edmonds stores across the United States, and online at AllenEdmonds.com.



SOURCE Allen Edmonds through PRNewswire by press release ©
http://www.allenedmonds.com

Shawne “Lights Out”® Merriman Seeks $18 Million-Plus in Nike Lawsuit

Celebrity Endorsement and Confusion in the Marketplace at Play 

SAN DIEGO, Calif.--Former San Diego Chargers football standout and current entrepreneur and TV personality Shawne “Lights Out”® Merriman and his company Lights Out Holdings, LLC, today moved for summary judgment against Nike in their ongoing legal battle. The motion, filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of California (Case No. 3:14-CV-00872-JAH-NLS) seeks $18 million in statutory damages as well as Nike’s gross profits on the false endorsement claim, along with attorney’s fees.

“After I was given the nickname “Lights Out” ® in high school, I decided to create a brand while I was at the University of Maryland. From 2002-2005 I sold approximately 2000 t-shirts printed with the Lights Out ® logo and the money helped pay my way through college,” said Merriman. “I’ve carefully grown and developed that brand ever since, but Nike still insists on using it.”

The motion requests that the court decide the pending lawsuit on summary judgment based on undisputed facts according to the lawsuit. In the alternative, the motion requests summary adjudication on the issues it raises.

Merriman acquired the trademark for Lights Out ® in 2007 (U.S. Trademark Registration No. 2,885,212) and since it has been registered for so long, the Lights Out ® mark became incontestable on September 15, 2010. According to the lawsuit, Nike, which is known for developing product lines associated with famous athletes, knew of Merriman’s Lights Out ® brand when it signed with Merriman in 2006.

According to the filing, Nike’s Lights Out apparel line consists of 56 separate products for both men and women and is quite successful. Summary judgment is sought on both Nike’s infringement of the federally registered mark and on Shawne Merriman’s false endorsement claim. A false endorsement claim is brought under the Lanham Act and prohibits “the use of any symbol or device which is likely to deceive consumers as to the association, sponsorship, or approval of goods or services by another person.”

In celebrity endorsement cases such as this one, the term “mark” applies to the celebrity’s persona. Merriman has a highly visible persona due to his time in the NFL and his subsequent television jobs and charitable works. He was also a prominent endorser of Nike’s products for a number of years. He is probably most recognizable to sports and athletic enthusiasts, which is the market Nike’s Lights Out targets, according to the filing. “Under the law of false endorsement, likelihood of customer confusion is the determinative issue” according to the court documents.

The motion also notes that Nike’s actions were willful, and done despite expressly deciding not to obtain rights to the Lights Out® trademark from Merriman. The motion describes Nike’s actions as “blatant counterfeiting”.

Despite many opportunities to resolve the matter without litigation, Nike has continued to substantially infringe the Lights Out® trademark.

About Shawne Merriman
 
Shawne Merriman was given the nickname “Lights Out”® in high school for his hard-hitting style of play. He knew right away that “Lights Out” was more than just a nickname, and set out to parlay the success of the Light Out® trademark into a globally recognized luxury lifestyle brand that features affordable items for all.

Merriman had an amazing career in the NFL, playing with both the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills. Merriman is a three-time NFL Pro Bowler and NFL All Pro and was named the 2005 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Merriman is currently a television sports analyst. He has taken a special interest in contributing to the Salvation Army, Standing Up For Kids and Feeding America while establishing the “Lights On Foundation” in an effort to help children and families in need.

 
For more information on Lights Out Brand visit www.LightsOutBrand.com
40681149v.1

Contacts : ML Strategies, LLC / Nancy J. Sterling, APR, 617-348-1811 / nsterling@mlstrategies.com



Source Lights Out Holdings through BUSINESS WIRE by press release ©

Discrete Clothing and HyperActive Capital Announce Investment Partnership

Salt Lake City, UT (April 6, 2015) -- Utah based outdoor and active lifestyle brand, Discrete, announced a committed investment from HyperActive Capital on Friday. The investment will allow Discrete to scale current operations in order to meet increasing product demands.

Founded in 2008 by pro skier Julian Carr, Discrete delivers high performing headwear and active lifestyle apparel. Products can be found in national retailing outfits Zumiez and Backcountry.com as well as over 100 retail stores across North America. "We've built a great brand. I'm really happy to have a capital partner to sustain the energy and growth for Discrete moving forward,” said Carr.

"When given the chance to partner with Discrete, the decision was easy," says HyperActive Capital's founder, Scott Paul, "We see a clear path to success and a great team in place with products that fit the outdoor industry.

Skyler Gillette, National Sales Manager at Discrete, said the partnership is critical for the brand as they continue to strengthen business relationships with retailers. "We have big goals in place for Discrete and HyperActive will be important partners in helping us achieve them," said Gillette. 
HyperActive Capital joins a growing community of Discrete partners including Digital Experience Agency, WELD, as well as a host of pro athletes including Brody Leven, Todd Ligare, and Olympian Kerin Herman.

About Discrete Clothing

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Ut, Discrete produces casual outdoor gear and apparel for outdoor enthusiasts. Focusing on an authentic love for the outdoors, evolved products, innovation into dynamic events and partnerships and respect for high level athletics, the brand is committed to providing quality products at a 100 percent guarantee.

To learn more, visit www.discreteclothing.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.


Source Discrete Clothing by press release ©

Surftech announces official sponsorship of the 2015 Carolina Cup

Surftech to sponsor the 5th annual Carolina Cup in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on April 22-26.

 

Carlsbad, CA  April 06, 2015 

Surftech, the original board manufacturing company, announced today that it has finalized a partnership with the Carolina Cup as the official course sponsor. The Carolina Cup is one of the most prestigious races and expo event in paddleboarding drawing an international field of competitors and hosting several one of kind social activities for the paddling community.

The Carolina Cup is the perfect compliment to Surftech’s recent sponsorship of the Santa Cruz Downwind Ryders Cup and the ongoing partnership with the Molokai2Oahu World Championships. “Surftech and BARK have been apart of the race for several years as competitors, participants and supporters. North Carolina is an amazing place, with some of the nicest people and a passionate paddling community.”, said Rob Farrow, VP of Marketing for Surftech. “ The chance to step in and support the event and a community that has done so much for paddling is a honor and a privilege, we look forward to continuing and growing the relationship”.

In addition to the sponsorship of the event, Surftech and BARK will be hosting a FREE paddling clinic and the east coast debut of the highly acclaimed “A Date With The Strait” documentary, covering the first ever crossing of the Bass Strait from mainland Australia to Tasmania on paddleboards. The clinic will be open to paddlers of all levels and will cover everything from basic technique to race training hosted at Carolina PaddleBoard Co., in Wilmington, North Carolina.

"Having Surftech involved as our official course sponsor is great addition to our family of support for this event", said Mark Schmidt, one of the event organizers of the Carolina Cup. "We really appreciate what Joe Bark and his family has done for us over the past five years, and we are excited to help elevate his brand through Surftech's affiliation and sponsorship with us."

For more information and to register for the event, visit the Carolina Cup at http://wrightsvillebeachpaddleclub.com/.

ABOUT Surftech

Surftech, “The original board manufacturing company”, was founded in 1989 in Santa Cruz, California by Randy French. A pioneer of composite technologies, Surftech was the first company to introduce composite manufacturing to the surfing, paddling and SUP industry. Surftech’s business model has always been about board builders giving them a way to scale and expand their businesses with a seamless solution that complimented their existing lineups. In the early 90’s, Surftech partnered with a world-class international factory that matched their commitment to excellence, providing unparalleled capabilities, strong environmental practices, unmatched craftsmanship and most importantly could scale to meet demand.


Source SurfTech through PRWEB by press release ©

ASICS Introduces Natural33™ Performance Footwear Collection Featuring AmpliFoam™ Technology

THREE NEW "RUN NATURAL" SHOES FOR SPRING 2015, DESIGNED TO WORK NATURALLY WITH ALL 33 JOINTS IN THE FOOT

IRVINE, Calif., April 7, 2015-- ASICS America has introduced a new line of performance running footwear, the Natural33™ performance footwear collection, specifically designed to provide runners with the best natural running experience. Featuring the brand's innovative new AmpliFoam™ technology, developed at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe, Japan, the Natural33™ collection was created to work naturally with all 33 joints in the foot.

ASICS Natural33™ footwear contains streamlined versions of elements found in many conventional running shoes, giving runners a more flexible and tactile ride. Developed with a uniquely high compression set, AmpliFoam™ allows ASICS to do something previously not possible – provide incredibly soft cushioning constructed at a lower density, that won't easily break down. Softer midsoles also allow for better flexibility, comfort, and platform adaptability.

"Our new ASICS Natural33™ performance footwear collection takes running naturally and comfortably to a new level," said Brice Newton, Sr. Footwear Product Marketing Manager of ASICS America Corporation. "Runners will absolutely feel the difference with AmpliFoam™ – not only is it a softer ride, but the shoes will last a long time no matter how many miles you're logging, thanks to our new cushioning technology."

Three models – the 33-M™, 33-FA™, and 33-DFA™ ensure that every runner can find the right level of comfort. The 33-M™ provides maximum cushioning with a 4MM drop platform; the 33-FA™ is designed for the broadest spectrum of runners looking for a soft and flexible platform, while 33-DFA™ is the lightest, lowest and most flexible model in the collection.

All models of ASICS Natural33™ footwear features include:

FluidAxis®: Anatomically correct deep FluidAxis® flex grooves have been aligned to the joints of the foot. This innovative construction enables the footwear to recognize, adapt and respond to the athlete's exact load and positional change from first impact to toe-off.

ComforDry™ Lasting: This lasting material features plush underfoot comfort while providing excellent moisture management, high level breathability, and anti-microbial properties to help keep runners' feet and legs fresh after logging long miles.

Solyte® Midsole Material: A lighter weight midsole compound than ASICS' standard EVA and SpEVA®. Also features enhanced cushioning and durability.

Seamless Construction: The sneaker provides Seamless Construction for a slipper-like upper fit. The use of seamless materials reduces the potential for irritation and friction caused by traditional stitches and seams.

Natural33™ Last: Mimicking the shape of the foot, this anatomically shaped last provides a secure heel fit and an ample toe box that allows the toes to splay.

The ASICS 33-M™ is making headlines already, having been awarded top honors in FITNESS Magazine's April 2015 issue, which hits newsstands this week and contains their annual sneaker guide. The ASICS 33-M™ was voted "Best Max Cushioned Sneaker." Readers said "for plump, 'pillowy' cushioning that will 'still promote great, natural running form,' put on the 'surprisingly light' ASICS 33-M™." They found its seamless upper and "very responsive" foam midsole are both "great for really long runs."

The Natural33™ performance footwear collection is now available at select specialty and sporting goods stores and online at www.asicsamerica.com.

About ASICS

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic footwear, apparel and accessories.

For more information, visit www.asics.com.



SOURCE ASICS America through PRNewswire by press release ©
http://www.asics.com

Performance Sports Group Sets Fiscal Third Quarter 2015 Conference Call for Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. ET

EXETER, NH--(Apr 2, 2015) - Performance Sports Group Ltd. (NYSE: PSG) (TSX: PSG) ("PSG" or the "Company"), a leading developer and manufacturer of high performance sports equipment and apparel, will hold a conference call on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended February 28, 2015. The Company will report its financial results in a press release prior to the conference call.

PSG President and CEO Kevin Davis and CFO Amir Rosenthal will host the conference call, followed by a question and answer period.

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern time (7:00 a.m. Pacific time)
Toll-free dial-in number: 1-888-427-9419
International dial-in number: 1-719-325-2323
Conference ID: 3362697

Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Liolios Group at 1-949-574-3860.

The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay at http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=113709 and via the investors section of the Company's website at www.PerformanceSportsGroup.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available after 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through April 28, 2015.

Toll-free replay number: 1-877-870-5176
International replay number: 1-858-384-5517
Replay ID: 3362697

About Performance Sports Group Ltd.

Performance Sports Group Ltd. (NYSE: PSG) (TSX: PSG) is a leading developer and manufacturer of ice hockey, roller hockey, lacrosse, baseball and softball sports equipment, as well as related apparel and soccer apparel. The Company is the global leader in hockey with the strongest and most recognized brand, and it holds the No. 1 North American position in baseball and softball. Its products are marketed under the BAUER, MISSION, MAVERIK, CASCADE, INARIA, COMBAT and EASTON brand names and are distributed by sales representatives and independent distributors throughout the world. The Company is focused on building its leadership position by growing market share in all product categories and pursuing strategic acquisitions.

For more information, please visit www.PerformanceSportsGroup.com.



SOURCE: Performance Sports Group Ltd. through Marketwired by press release ©



Company Contact: Amir Rosenthal/ Chief Financial Officer/ Tel 1-603-610-5802

Investor Relations: Liolios Group Inc./ Cody Slach/ Tel 1-949-574-3860

Media Contact: Steve Jones/ Sr. Director, Corporate Communications/ Tel 1-603-430-2111

KEEN Grows Product Design & Development Team

Stepping into its second decade, company invests in high-level talent, American Built collection, and product evolution that embraces new and existing brand fans.

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 30, 2015) – With a decade of brand growth, product innovation, and fun under its soles, KEEN is investing in the expansion of its product design and development team as the leading manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual footwear sets it sight on the future. Blending the extensive industry experience, high-level talent, and leadership of Nikolai Christensen, newest team member Manon Belley, and Cesar Geronimo – with a deep bench of designers and developers – KEEN has built a dream team that will lead the brand’s product evolution as it launches into its next era of footwear creation.

“We’ve greatly expanded our team of designers and developers with the single focus of engineering high-quality product. In the past year, we’ve positioned ourselves to amplify and evolve the KEEN DNA our fans love and expect,” said Nikolai, KEEN’s VP of Product. “From design to the materials we use, our entire team is focused on delivering footwear that exceeds our current, and future, fan’s expectations.”

KEEN’s latest product innovation, UNEEK, exemplifies the company’s design and development direction and brings a disruptive new vision of open-air footwear to the marketplace. Starting with KEEN’s signature Original Hybrid Newport sandal in 2003, this fine-tuned, versatile, and functional product piqued curiosity in the footwear industry 12 years ago and the brand’s product engine has been charging ever since. From the Newport to UNEEK and KEEN’s American Built collection, a constant at the company is pushing the envelope of what is possible in footwear versatility, performance, and design, while keeping the end-user in mind. Brand fans – existing and new – can only expect to see this dedication and leading-edge design and manufacturing amplified as KEEN builds for the future.

“With fresh new design and development talent, we will take versatility and classic KEEN fit – that has been core to the brand over the past 12 years – and evolve it to meet the needs of KEEN fans,” said Nikolai. “Through teamwork, fearless R&D, and deep consumer knowledge, we will push to unveil ultra-versatile and stylish products that seamlessly transition from city to trail and beyond.”
Overseeing the entire team, Nikolai is pivotal in expanding KEEN’s American Built collection and inspiring industry-leading footwear production at KEEN. A creative and driven product specialist with in-depth technical understanding of product development and direct-inject manufacturing, Nikolai’s 15 years in the industry and past work experience at one of the world’s top footwear brands, Ecco, make him the perfect seasoned guide to usher KEEN into this new era.

Manon Belley, KEEN’s new design director, brings 25 years of industry expertise to evolving KEEN’s DNA with her fresh, creative, style-meets-function design vision that will be showcased across men’s, women’s, and kid’s footwear categories. Prior to KEEN, Manon was the creative director within Merrell’s active lifestyle group for eight years and during this time she built and expanded the collection in both men’s and women’s footwear, helping increase global brand recognition and sales.
As development director of KEEN’s products, Cesar Geronimo is responsible for footwear product integrity and directing the development team in the art of shoe engineering from a fit, comfort, and quality perspective. An industrial engineer with more than 16 years of international industry experience at Wolverine Worldwide, his strategic and operational planning skills will drive development of KEEN’s future product lines.

“Our world-class team, coupled with the manufacturing resources we have within bicycling distance of our headquarters, enables us to push the limits of how technology and style come together at KEEN. The direct-inject capabilities of the Portland factory allow us to embed functional advantages into our premium hiking, utility, and casual footwear,” said Nikolai. “We are proud to be manufacturing footwear in Portland and growing a talented team that will lead KEEN’s evolution in footwear technology and manufacturing.”

About KEEN
Inspired by a love of the outdoors, KEEN Inc., manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, clothing, and accessories, is dedicated to creating quality products that support the lifestyles and outdoor adventures of active people around the world. KEEN products can be found online and through more than 5,000 retail locations in more than 60 countries, as well as in KEEN Garage retail stores in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, where fans can enjoy the branded experience. The company operations and culture reflect a stand-out commitment to building a strong community and a healthier planet so that all can create, play, and care.

Learn more at http://www.keenfootwear.com.


MEDIA CONTACT | Keith Cozzens | Verde Brand Communications | keith@verdepr.com | 970.259.3555 x122