In L.A., Ronald White writes Skechers is "cautiously rolling out a new apparel line," as the company has joined with Hong Kong-based supply-chain management company Li & Fung "to design and manufacture the garments." But Skechers has started "selling clothes in only a few locations." Skechers COO & CFO David Weinberg said, "We're not in a rush to do it. That one we are playing very close to the vest before we really push it out onto a broad spectrum" (L.A. TIMES, 8/19).
LIMITED TIME ONLY: In Minnesota, Mike Creger noted outdoor gear maker Duluth Pack is "about to introduce a duffel and shell bag made out of material once used in the roof of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome." The company had "planned to launch the limited line" on Thursday, but Twins PA announcer Jim Cunningham "got talking about the bags this week with a sportswriter at Target Field and soon word got around." Duluth Pack President Tom Sega said that the company "plans to use the entire store of roof material." Cunningham will "get a percentage of sales." The duffel bag is "listed at $485 and the shell bag at $160" (DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE, 8/17).
HERE IN CINCINNATI: Ohio-based Midwest Sports President Greg Wolf said that the ATP/WTA Western & Southern Open "gives the firm international exposure" as the official retail partner for the event at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason. He said that the 27-year-old company "plans to boost its sponsorship of the tournament next year" (CINCINNATI.com, 8/17).
A GOOD CAUSE: In Ohio, Rob McCurdy noted race teams at the inaugural NASCAR Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course "donated a collective $650,000 of marketing real estate on 13 cars this weekend to showcase the names, likenesses and in some cases the paint schemes" of 10 patients from the hospital (MANSFIELD NEWS JOURNAL, 8/18).
