Filson Opens First International Store in Osaka, Japan

Filson, the respected outdoor brand known for its American heritage, styling and prominence in the hunting and fishing communities, today announced the opening of its first international store in Osaka, Japan in partnership with its distributor of 28 years, Goldwin, Inc. Located in the Osaka, Horie area, an established fashion district, the store officially opened this past Saturday with a grand opening attended by Bill Kulczycki, Filson’s CEO and president.

The store will carry Filson’s iconic apparel and gear known for its classic designs and durability. Products include: outerwear, sweaters, shirts, pants, chaps, shorts, underwear, footwear, luggage, Filson dog, Filson home and accessories.

“We have been carrying Filson since 1982 as the sole distributor in Japan and have seen tremendous momentum with the brand as consumers gravitate toward brands with a rich heritage, especially American,” said Naoki Kimura, with Goldwin. “Our consumers have been asking for a free-standing store for a long time. Now, the timing is right.”

“Filson has enjoyed immense popularity in Japan for many years,” said Bill Kulczycki. “The brand is more relevant than ever now that consumers are looking for classic looks, durability and a brand that is authentic. Consumers in Japan are discerning and appreciate Filson’s history. We look forward to what the future holds as we expand internationally.”

The address of the new store is 1-6-20, Minami-Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan and is open from 11:00AM to 8:00PM. Filson is located on the second floor in a space that occupies 53 sq. meters, 570 sq. feet. The phone number is +81-6-6535-8592.

About Goldwin: Established in 1951 by Mr. Tosaku Nishida, Goldwin Inc., located in Tokyo, offers a variety of clothing such as ski, athletic, tennis and outdoor apparels to name a few. With a hometown plant in Japan as the main base, GOLDWIN has plants in China and Southeast Asia. In addition to these plants, Beijing GOLDWIN Co., Ltd., the largest overseas plant, has already started its operation in October 1996. In 1981, GOLDWIN had its stock listed on the Second Division of the Nagoya Stock Exchange; in 1991, listed on the Second Division of the Tokyo Stock Exchange; and last year in 1995, listed on its First Division, the most prestigious stock exchange in Japan. Goldwin’s commitment to pursuing the best technology is never ending. From top users to sports-loving customers, GOLDWIN will keep supplying a wide range of quality products.

About Filson: Filson, a leading outfitter for outdoor enthusiasts, is committed to providing the highest performance apparel that stands up to the toughest conditions. The company’s 113-year legacy is built upon its reputation for honesty, quality and durability. The brand’s tough yet comfortable outdoor clothing is a favorite among hunters and fishermen, engineers and explorers, mariners and miners, and anyone who has a passion for the outdoors. Renowned for proprietary fabrics such as heavyweight Tin Cloth and warm, rugged Mackinaw Wool, Filson’s quality apparel and accessories have made it a trans-generational brand. The company’s flagship retail store is located in Seattle, Washington, where the company is headquartered, and another retail store is located in Portland, Oregon. For information or a free catalog, call #800-624-0201 or visit www.filson.com.



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