Merrell Apparel Launches Spring 2010 Collection

Merrell Apparel Launches Spring 2010 Collection Focused on Versatility, Comfort and Durability

Line Expands Dye-free NADA Offerings; Includes Innovative Styles Designed for Commuter Cycling, Trail Running and Outdoor Adventure

ROCKFORD, Mich. (June 17, 2009) — Merrell Apparel, the brand that inspires the outdoor athlete in everyone with products at the horizon of performance and style, is pleased to announce the launch of its spring 2010 collection at Outdoor Retailer’s summer market on July 21–24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The new season expands upon the well-received, eco-friendly N.A.D.A. (Not Any Dye Applied) concept piece from fall 2009 and features four key categories: the “Ride of Your Life” Horizon Collection of commuter cycling inspired designs, “Performance Made Beautiful” styles that includes the brand’s first-ever collection of dresses, “Trail Mix” running apparel and UPF protective styles in “Salute to the Sun.”

“Each season, our design team sets out to build the most innovative and progressive collection of premium apparel for the outdoor consumer. Without a doubt, our spring ’10 line achieved this goal,” said Jordan Wand, Merrell Apparel Vice President and General Manager. “The collection delivers a creative blend of technology, performance and style that pushes the boundaries of outdoor design while effortlessly merchandising with our footwear collection for a complete head-to-toe story.”

In addition to the four key style collections, Merrell Apparel is building and expanding upon a fall ’09 concept jacket by offering fifteen styles from the spring ’10 collection in a dye-free N.A.D.A. option. Offered as a white replacement, these un-dyed pieces require 48% less energy, 65% less water and 63% fewer chemicals on average compared to a traditionally dyed garment while maintaining all of the technical performance.

The Ride of Your Life collection features commuter cycling inspired pieces with stealth reflective properties that help transition riders seamlessly from bike to work and beyond. The men’s Spokes (MSRP $69) and women’s Bisect (MSRP $45) knit shirts feature plaited fabric. The shirt’s inside polyester layer houses Opti-Wickâ„¢ moisture management technology while the cotton face imparts an amazing hand feel for the ultimate in functional style. The men’s Furtive and women’s Depart jackets (MSRP $179) feature fully seam sealed Opti-Shellâ„¢ waterproof/breathable fabric, stowaway hoods and stash pockets. Also housed in the collection is the brand’s inaugural launch into denim. The men’s Transform and women’s Cadena jeans (MSRP $89) have removable waterproof chaps, stealth reflective detailing, invisible zip pockets and a TPU-reinforced roll-up cuff for chain protection.

Designed for all day comfort and outdoor adventure, Performance Made Beautiful features an array of feminine designs including dresses, a first-ever silhouette for the brand. All dress styles incorporate functionality and comfort with features such as Opti-Wickâ„¢, UPF protection, venting, wrinkle resistant fabric and zip secure pockets. A category standout is the Lenaia (MSRP $89), a seven-in-one convertible pant/skirt style with moisture wicking, quick drying, UPF 50+ fabric for the ultimate in versatile performance. The new Amelia Textured jacket (MSRP $139) is a modern cinch waist style that incorporates a sophisticated jacquard texture with technical components such as waterproof Opti-Shellâ„¢ and a detachable hood.

Expanding upon the brand’s versatility mantra is Trail Mix, the trail running category which includes technical pieces built for self-sufficiency and a wide range of endeavors. The men’s Brookvale and women’s Breeze trail running/endurance jackets (MSRP $79) are highly adaptable and convert into a belted lumbar pack sized to house a few energy packets and other essentials. The men’s Dualtrek running top (MSRP $65) features removable arm warmers while the women’s Longmont (MSRP $79) includes a removable shrug. Both styles have Opti-Wickâ„¢ fabric, stash pockets and reflective details.

Completing the spring 2010 offering is the Salute to the Sun collection featuring UPF styles for men and women that blur the line between office, travel and sport. Woven shirts such as the men’s Kalamatan (MSRP $69) and Krabi ($59) are key components of the category. Both shirts are designed with UPF 25+ sun protection and Opti-Wickâ„¢ fabric yet feature subtle design details like a concealed zip secure pocket for travel documents and discreet venting to ensure an effortless transition from adventure to work.

Merrell’s entire collection of spring ’10 footwear, apparel and accessories will be sold at retailers worldwide starting in January 2010 with apparel pricepoints ranging from $25–$229 and accessories starting at $12.

About Merrell
Founded in 1981, Merrell has become known as a leader in contemporary outdoor footwear. Merrell is the brand that inspires the outdoor athlete in everyone with products at the horizon of performance and style. Merrell products are sold at all Merrell retail stores, through leading retailers in the U.S. and through 44 distributors and subsidiaries around the world. For more information, please visit our Web site, www.merrell.com.

About Wolverine
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active and lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell® Footwear and Apparel, Chaco®, Sebago® and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of popular brands including CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in over 170 countries. For additional information, please visit our Web site, www.wolverineworldwide.com.

Media Contact:
SnL Communications
Catherine Donovan
cdonovan@snlc.net
310-996-0239