Greenville, South Carolina, Aug. 23, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Representatives from Southern Tide, a Greenville, S.C.-based manufacturer of a rapidly growing lifestyle brand of apparel, announced today the company was ranked No. 73 by Inc. Magazine on its 30th annual Inc. 500, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. In addition, Southern Tide was recognized as the sixth fastest-growing consumer products brand and the fastest growing apparel company on the 2011 Inc. 500. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the three year growth of this most important segment of the economy--America’s independent entrepreneurs. Companies such as Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zipcar, Clif Bar, Vizio, Oracle, and many other well-known names gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500.
The 2011 Inc. 500, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 23 to November 15 and on Inc.com), is a group of companies that are smaller but much faster-growing than last year’s crop. Aggregate revenue is $10.5 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,275 percent. The companies on this year's list employ more than 46,000 people and generated over 35,000 jobs in the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 500, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on Inc.com/500.
"Being recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 73 fastest growing companies and the fastest growing apparel brand in America is an exciting accomplishment for the Southern Tide team," said Jim Twining, CEO of Southern Tide. "Our growth of more than 3100 percent is in largely part due to the dedication of the incredible group of Southern Tide Associates, who work diligently building strong relationships with our retail partners and loyal consumer customers. While the last three years have been exhilarating, we are even more excited about the future and are confident that we have the team in place to exceed our growth projections and sustain this momentum. "
About Southern Tide
Southern Tide, LLC, founded in 2006 by Allen Stephenson, is the Greenville, S.C.-based manufacturer of a rapidly growing lifestyle brand of apparel that boasts exceptional craftsmanship, clean lines, fine quality and classic design. The collection's original product, the Skipjack Polo, is deemed by customers to be the finest, most comfortable polo shirt in the world. Constructed of Southern Tide's exclusive fabric, True-Vent Micro PiqueTM, the Skipjack Polo provides for breathability and a slight stretch that allows for ease of motion while still maintaining its shape. Southern Tide's design of extraordinarily authentic and classic clothing that is intelligently constructed with the best available materials is featured in the collection's vast array of items including the Men's and Women's Skipjack Polo, Channel Marker Khaki Pants and Shorts; RT-7 Pants, Jeans; Men's Sport Shirts, Sweaters; Skipjack Boxers, Hats and Neck Ties; as well as Short and Long-sleeve T-shirts and various accessories. Currently, the Southern Tide brand can be found exclusively at more than 475 fine retailers in more than 42 states across the United States, Puerto Rico, Bahamas and the Virgin Islands and online at SouthernTide.com.
More about Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000
Methodology
The 2011 Inc. 500 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2007 to 2010. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2007. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent--not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies--as of December 31, 2010. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2007 is $100,000; the minimum for 2010 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com\500">www.inc.com/500.
About Inc. Magazine
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 710,106, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.
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