Las Vegas, NV, January 31, 2006 --(
PR.com)-- Shoe Gear Athletic & High Country Outdoor (a division of Rhode Island Textile) has announced the completion of a re-branding initiative that has been designed to propel this 90 year young shoe care, accessory and lace manufacturer into the upper echelon of the category.
“For the past 15 years, we have represented 40% of the USA’s shoe care, accessory and lace business and never had a sales force," states General Manager F. Chris Nelson who was hired in October 2005 to develop and implement a long term business plan as well as hire RIT’s first sales team. “Our major advantage is our manufacturing capability. With retailers finding it necessary to go direct to the factory, no-one can beat our turn around, product design, quality or prices. An athletic lace that may be purchased at a large chain, would cost $0.35 max., and that is with our better quality lace. The cost difference between $0.35 and what they may pay doesn’t seem like a big number individually, but with the lace category being rather soft, it could mean the difference between maintaining dollars over last year or a category loss. Most buyers I know don’t like to have a loss in their category if it can be prevented.” And being the main lace supplier to the largest retailer in the US the past several years, service is obviously not an issue.
“We aren’t even close to finished yet, and the acquisitions and partnerships we are currently negotiating will rock the industry. We are way under the salary cap, so to speak.”
Rhode Island Textile Co. has been producing shoe care, laces and accessories in its 5 US, 1 China and 1 Mexico factories since 1913, and still manufactures most of the OEM laces found in leading footwear brands today. Along with making all US mil spec boot laces, bungee and parachute cord for the armed forces, a complete Pet and Sewing Notion line are also available.
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