October 10, 2003
BOSTON, October 10, 2003 - New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. announced that it has signed a license agreement with the Franco Apparel Group for children's apparel. Franco Apparel will manufacture, market, sell and distribute New Balance performance and lifestyle children's apparel in newborn through youth.
Franco Apparel is a privately-owned New York-based children's wear manufacturer founded in 1988.
"This partnership enables New Balance to offer a full line of children's athletic apparel by utilizing Franco Apparel's knowledge of fit for kids and their experience in the marketplace," says Jim Tompkins, president and COO of New Balance. "Franco Apparel's core values of quality, integrity and customer service are a good fit with New Balance's long-standing corporate philosophies."
The New Balance children's apparel line will debut in Winter 2003 and feature three different categories for boys and girls including performance wear, athletic wear and sports lifestyle. The line will also include layette and playwear for newborns and toddlers.
The launch will be supported by a marketing campaign that will include trade print media and outdoor advertising in select markets.
"As a company, New Balance has developed a tremendous reputation for quality and product," says Ike Franco, President and CEO of Franco Apparel Group. Distribution will include department, specialty and sporting goods stores throughout the US.
Franco Apparel Group is a recognized leader in the children's wear industry and has had tremendous success with licensed lifestyle brands as well as sports licensed apparel. In addition, Franco Apparel Group has received recognition from both its customers and peers for its design and merchandising capabilities, including Vendor of the Year awards from major department stores nationwide. Visit www.newbalancekids.com starting in October for more information.
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure sports, and kids. Hiking and work boots, sandals, boat shoes, and rugged casuals are also available through the Dunham performance brand. Dunham joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998. New Balance acquired the rights to the PF Flyers brand in February 2000. An active casual, lifestyle brand, PF Flyers is available to consumers for Spring 2003. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2,400 people around the globe, and in 2002 reported worldwide sales of $1.3 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.
