To: upndn who wrote (96 ) 8/13/1998 8:25:00 AM From: JakeStraw Respond to of 128
Cutter & Buck Announces Plans For Flagship Store in Seattle SEATTLE, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Cutter & Buck Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUK - news) today announced plans to open a premier flagship store in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle-based apparel manufacturer Cutter & Buck is responding to its many loyal consumers by opening its first flagship store in Seattle's exciting new shopping destination, Pacific Place. The 3,400 square foot space will showcase the full men's and women's line of golf inspired sportswear. The opening is set to coincide with that of Pacific Place on Thursday, October 29, 1998. Cutter & Buck apparel has been previously available only in golf pro shops, resorts and specialty stores. ''There has been overwhelming consumer demand for a presentation of the entire line of men's and women's sportswear, business casual and outerwear,'' said Harvey Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Cutter & Buck. ''We felt that as a Seattle-based company, it would be exciting to launch the Cutter & Buck flagship concept in our hometown. We draw inspiration both from the lifestyle of golf and from our Pacific Northwest roots. That translates to updated traditional sportswear with an outdoor attitude.'' Reflecting this attitude, the flagship store is designed as an outdoor/indoor environment. The entry incorporates stone and water with a backdrop of natural light and northwest foliage. The customer will make the choice of entering the ''clubhouse'' or continuing to an area which highlights Cutter & Buck's association with such prestigious events as the PGA Championship, The U.S. Open, The British Open, The Ryder Cup and the President's Cup. After a nationwide search for a design firm, Seattle's NBBJ was chosen to bring the concept to life. The challenge for the design team was to create an environment which spoke to the heritage of golf without creating a ''golfers-only'' environment. ''Our customers may not play golf at all, but they appreciate the environment and tradition of golf . We feel NBBJ has captured the fun and romance of that lifestyle,'' said Scott Darkenwald, Director of Retail Development for Cutter & Buck. Known for strong clear colors, natural fiber fabrics, attention to detail, innovative trims and specialized printing and embroidery, Cutter & Buck is the fastest growing golf apparel manufacturer in the United States today. ''We have an extremely loyal customer base,'' added Jones. ''The Cutter & Buck man and woman may go to a business meeting, play a round of golf and then have dinner with the family. Wherever the day takes them, they'll be confident in Cutter & Buck.'' Headquartered in Seattle, Cutter & Buck designs, sources and markets golf-inspired sportswear and outerwear for men and women. It distributes its products both domestically and internationally, predominately through golf pro shops and resorts, upscale specialty stores and corporate sales accounts. The company has developed a colorful, innovative collection of high-quality sportswear targeted to the upscale apparel market projecting an updated American design evocative of a sporting lifestyle. SOURCE: Cutter & Buck Inc.