May 17, 2004
BOSTON, May 17, 2004 – New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. has announced that the 741, a women's-only, progressively styled walking shoe, will launch in the Cushioning segment of the walking category for July 2004. In anticipation of its launch, the 741 has been named the official shoe of the "Hi Gorgeous!" tour presented by O, The Oprah Magazine.
The 741 features Abzorb SBS® cushioning in the heel, a Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support, and an external TPU saddle for additional support. The 741 offers a highly technical package as well as streamlined cosmetics and a sleek silhouette for the avid walker.
Each Hi Gorgeous! event involves a combination of motivational and esteem-building exercises to celebrate living life to the fullest and discovering your best potential. The tour travels to four host cities during April and May 2004.
New Balance, as a title sponsor of the Hi Gorgeous! tour, hosts an interactive tent in the Live Gorgeous zone. New Balance representatives offer a sneak preview and try-ons of the 741, foot reflexology, and virtual nature walks.
In addition, prior to each event, New Balance representatives hand out pink fortune cookies in outlets such as malls, playgrounds, and coffee shops. The fortune cookies communicate the benefits of New Balance walking shoes, relay the "Hi Gorgeous!" sponsorship information, and offer the recipient a chance to win VIP tickets to the event.
"New Balance is proud to partner with O, The Oprah magazine for the 'Hi Gorgeous!' tour," says Kimberly Landry, senior marketing promotions associate at New Balance. "New Balance believes in achieving your own balance, individuality, and self-esteem – similar philosophies to those supported by the O event."
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized performance footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure, and kids. Dunham joined the New Balance family in Fall 1998. Dunham is an outdoor performance brand known for its technologies, innovations and development of footwear that is lightweight, comfortable and inspired by the world outside. New Balance acquired the rights to the PF Flyers brand in February 2000. First introduced in 1937 by the B.F. Goodrich Company, PF Flyers was re-launched in Spring 2003 as an authentic brand of active casual footwear. Aravon® comfort performance brand footwear debuted in January 2004 as an unsurpassed blend of fit, comfort, support and style. New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. employs more than 2,600 people around the globe, and in 2003 reported worldwide sales of $1.3 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.
