BENETTON FUTURE INCLUDES SUPERSTORES WITH SPORTING GOODS

          With its purchase of Benetton Sportsystem, maker of
     Prince racquets, Rollerblades and Nordica sports equipment,
     Benetton plans "to create superstores in major cities that
     will carry all of the company's goods, including sports
     apparel," according to Melanie Wells of USA TODAY.  Company
     co-Founder Luciano Benetton: "We can expect growth in
     Benetton, but most will come from sports equipment, where
     there are higher margins and profits."  Alan Millstein of
     Fashion Network said the "updated retail concept" is "seven
     years late," as there are 200 licensed Benetton boutiques in
     the U.S., down from 600 in '88.  Wells adds that future
     stores will be similar in size to Benetton's 13,000-square-
     foot flagship in New York (USA TODAY, 7/28).