Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Non-Tech : OAKLEY- NYSE:OO -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: francisco figueiredo who wrote (1251)	5/13/1998 11:26:00 AM
From: Greg Ballinger	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1383

Oakley Unveils Its Performance Footwear FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1998--Marking a milestone in the company's evolution, Oakley Inc. (NYSE: OO) Wednesday announced it previewed the first model in its upcoming performance footwear line to over 600 athletes, retailers, media and financial analysts last night as its corporate headquarters in Foothill Ranch. The performance footwear preview was the first phase of the company's carefully orchestrated product release. Today, the shoe can be seen for the first time on the company's Web site at www.oakley.com. Supporting marketing materials, including in-depth technical descriptions of each component of the shoe, and purchasing information also are posted on the company's Web site. "Our new performance footwear represents true Oakley innovations," said Jim Jannard, the company's chairman and president. "Each component of the shoe has been carefully conceived, with acute attention paid to every detail. The sculpted design is a pure fusion of form and function, and many of the materials have never before been used in footwear. Even the manufacturing process, which will be conducted at the company's manufacturing facility in Foothill Ranch, is a significant advancement from the existing manufacturing standards of the footwear industry. By every measure, our footwear is another evolution of our invention-inspired product philosophy." The company expects the new footwear will be available to consumers beginning the end of June in three color variations. Distribution channels will include both traditional retail, with only 200 specialty retailers selected for the initial back-to-school season, and direct sales, through the company's Web site. Both channels will carry a recommended retail price of $125. At the unveling, Jannard said the shoe, which is not sport-specific, is unique in its construction and aesthetics. Jannard went on to describe the shoe's performance characteristics. The upper construction is comprised of continuous fibers of O Matter(TM) with a ballistic curtain of Kevlar(R) to create a breathable lattice. By raising the abrasion resistant coils of O Matter through the high-tenacity filaments of Kevlar, the interwoven amalgam exploits the best possible properties of each material. Oakley discarded the antiquated academics of vulcanized rubber, with the proprietary innovation of pure Unobtainium(R) combined with Kevlar micro filaments to form a flexible gridiron designed for maximum traction and transient response. The three-point triangulated sole geometry, toe roll-off curvature and heel contouring provide comfort, support and adaptability for varied terrain. The scope and balance of performance features makes the shoe suitable for a wide range of uses. Oakley will immediately begin working with a group of core athletes to gain authentic editorial exposure and generate awareness of the new footwear product. Initial marketing programs will be directed to loyal Oakley customers. Oakley. A company obsessed with the design and manufacture of inventions that defy convention. Creative fields of operation include high-performance eyewear and athletic equipment. -0- This news release contains certain statements of a forward-looking nature. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including the ability to continue to develop and produce innovative new products and introduce them in a timely manner; the acceptance in the marketplace of new products, including footwear; the ability to source raw materials at favorable prices to the company; currency fluctuation; and other risks outlined in the company's SEC filings, including but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1997. The company undertakes no obligation to update this forward-looking information. CONTACT: Oakley Inc., Foothill Ranch Link Newcomb, Chief Executive Officer Renee Law, Director, Corporate Communications 714/951-0991 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA BW0009 MAY 13,1998