Gramicci Appoints New Rep Groups to Further Fortify Sales Team

AGOURA HILLS, CA--(Marketwire - April 13, 2009) - As part of its efforts to better serve new and existing customers, Gramicci has expanded its already strong sales organization with the appointment of two additional sales representation firms and an independent rep. The enlarged team of seasoned sales executives will lead a soon-to-be-launched initiative called "Being There" that will make it easier for the growing and eclectic outdoor lifestyle apparel company to "be there" and better serve its retailers.

"Real solutions are what retailers need from their vendors. We are determined to get in front of our customers more with ideas on how to navigate through these times," said Marty Weening, Gramicci president. "We have a product that is selling very well right now. That's a bankable solution more retailers are looking for, and an expanded sales team will help get that solution out there."

Denne Sport Sales, based in Elk River, Minn., will service a 13-state Midwest region extending from the Dakotas to Pennsylvania and south to Kentucky with a veteran team consisting of Joe Denne, Alesha Williams and Kirby Laughlin. The states of Texas, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma will now be handled by Jerry and Lois Horton of The Horton Company, based in New Braunfels, Texas. In the Southeast, independent rep Rod Thomas of Chattanooga, Tenn. will head up Gramicci's efforts in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

"These are industry veterans with a combined 100-plus years experience with some of the most well-known brands in outdoor apparel," said Patricia Babka, Gramicci's vice president of sales. "They share our passion for the Gramicci brand and will help solve the challenge we've had with a lack of consistent representation in these territories. There are retailers out there who haven't seen the new Gramicci for several years."

The three newcomers join the company's existing network comprised of YPS Group in the Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and Arkansas); Rincon Group in the Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico); and GreenRep.org covering six New England states.

With the newest reps in place, Babka is nearing the completion of moves to assemble a sales team that will lead the "Being There" initiative, which includes not only intensified sales efforts to promote higher levels of service, but a new showroom located conveniently in Boulder, Colo. The full "Being There" concept will be unveiled in May.

"Being There is designed to help our customers navigate through a challenging retail economy," explained Weening. "Current market conditions compel us to heighten the level of our customer services."

About Gramicci

Gramicci, considered the 'soul brand' of the outdoor industry, is first associated with the iconic styles of the industry, including its introduction of the G-climbing pant and short over 26 years ago. In recent years, the company has evolved into a multi-functional outdoor lifestyle apparel brand. Gramicci is now known for its advanced organic natural fiber technologies, engineered "freedom of movement" comfort design, and its "perfectly imperfect" weathered fabric and garment finishes. Its lines are sold within three distinct product segments: The Vintage G-Series of archival Gramicci designs, G-Life - Nature inspired lifestyle apparel, and Greenicci the all-organic/recycled collection. For more information, visit: www.gramicci.com.

Contact Information: Media Contacts: Outdoor trade and consumer media Beth Cochran BC/OC-What's Up PR (406) 579-7909 general apparel, retail and business media Lisa Kreda Parness & Associates (732) 290-0121