NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Billy Martin's USA, Inc. (Pink Sheets:BLYM), the 26 year old retail brand known for its products with a "western" flair, announced today its business plan to open a chain of new retail shops across America.
"Don't hold me to a number at this time," said Doug Newton, CEO of the company. "It might be anywhere from 10 to 50 doors, but we definitely envision a stable of uniquely home-grown boutiques across the country, and beyond, all carrying the Billy Martin born-and-bred American brand name. (BLYM owns the U.S. trademark for "Born & Bred in the USA.")
"These new stores will be similar to our well-established boutiques on both coasts," said Newton, who founded the original Billy Martin's in New York City in 1978. "But they will have a product mix and merchandising atmosphere that will be a fusion of 'rock' and 'country' elements, just enough to keep us true to our western roots while offering affordable contemporary cross-over products to a wider audience of mainstream shoppers. Hey, as Gretchen Wilson says, we might even put up posters of Skynard, Kid and Strait.
"When ready, we will roll-out with the goal of establishing retail destination sites in appropriate venues, including Nashville, Newport Beach, Harlem and Austin. Importantly, each shop will be designed with memorable visual elements or artifacts germane to the specific locale, and will be promoted by celebrities who are both national and 'local' in their appeal."
Newton said the 'new' boutiques will carry a "mixture of well-known labels, plus new underground brands. Also, the stores will carry our own line of Billy Martin's 'western lifestyle' branded products where we are aggressively expanding in several categories, including bottoms, tops, and outerwear."
"When you consider the creative team I'm working with," Newton said his concept store has the potential to be "the premiere 'rock & country' destination point for customers who are looking for an enjoyable shopping experience and relevant, unique products, including the latest denim lines, boots, belts, buckles, bags, baubles, outerwear, vintage rock apparel, accessories, a few antiques and Americana. And we may carry music."
When asked if a "fusion of rock and country elements" can work in retail shops across America, as it certainly has in the music industry, Newton said: "Get me my guitar."
N. B. Statements about BLYM's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other statements in this news release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements." Since these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the company's actual results may differ materially from the company's plans if its assumptions prove to be incorrect or for a variety of other reasons.
Billy Martin's USA, Inc. is not a reporting company registered under the Securities Act of 1934. Shares of its stock trade on the Pink Sheets under the symbol BLYM.