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Non-Tech : Just For Feet (FEET) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Don Dorsey who wrote (559)	4/13/1998 12:18:00 PM
From: Don Dorsey	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 750

Reports from the shoe companies are starting to come in and with the exeption of NIKE they look strong. We may have seen the bottom of the athletic footware cycle. Brooks Reports All Time Record Sales April 9, 1998 5:11 PM EDT BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 1998--Brooks Sports Inc. today reported record first quarter U.S. sales of $15 million, up 47 percent from last year. Total worldwide sales were $20 million, up 25 percent. "We've had phenomenal retailer and customer response to our spring product line," said Helen Rockey, president and chief executive officer. Rockey noted that the running shoe and apparel company had record U.S. sales in each month of 1998, including the best month ever for apparel with sales of $500,000. Brooks apparel, launched in 1997, has been very well received by both retailers and consumers. "The Tsunami has become our biggest selling running shoe since the Beast, which was introduced in 1992. Our first shipment was totally sold out before it left the factory," Rockey said. "People like the fit, the feel and the look." She added that the Tsunami, which sells for $110, also offers exceptional cushioning combined with superior forefoot and flexibility. Sales were also influenced by the Vapor, which received the only "Best Buy" award in a recent national review of all spring 1998 running shoes. "At $70, the Vapor offers terrific fit, cushioning and stability with a smooth heel-to-toe transition," Rockey said. "No other shoe on the market offers as much value to the consumer." Brooks' rapid growth is in marked contrast to the downturns at larger shoe companies, which have experienced slumping sales and company-wide layoffs. Demand for running shoes in the United Sates declined in the fourth quarter of 1997, leading to increased inventories and reduced sales in all key markets for many shoe companies. During that same fourth quarter, Brooks had a 26 percent increase. "Consumers are smart, they want quality and value and they are looking for alternatives to the bigger brands," Rockey said. "At Brooks, we invest in our products and not hype." Rockey noted that the Asia economic situation has had an impact on the athletic footwear industry, particularly with the larger brands. Anticipating a slowdown in Asian business, Brooks' 1998 earnings forecasts were adjusted downward late last year. Brooks Sports, one of the fastest growing performance footwear and apparel manufacturers in America, distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories in more than 80 countries worldwide. Company headquarters are located at 11720 North Creek Parkway North, Bothell, Wash., 98011, near Seattle.