LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Bluetorch Inc. (OTCBB:BTOR), announced today that its subsidiary, Unboxed Distribution Inc., has enlisted two well-known retailers to carry its Bluetorch branded apparel, both starting in spring 2004. Zumiez, the nation's 2nd largest extreme sports specialty apparel chain after Pacific Sunwear, will carry Bluetorch in a minimum of 30 stores, and Local Motion, the preeminent surf-inspired retail chain in Hawaii has ordered Bluetorch apparel to be carried in their three flagship stores.
Stated Jim Bob Hume of Zumiez, "We think their strategy of launching different product groupings around each specific extreme sport is excellent. The Bluetorch television series on Fox Sports Net gives them instant credibility in each sport." Added Gail Yamanaka of Local Motion, "We like the product segmentation by sport. With our focus on surf, their surf collection is the obvious grouping for us. The graphics really grabbed our attention."
Stated Bruce MacGregor, President & CEO of Bluetorch Inc., "We are delighted with the response to our initial Bluetorch brand product offering. When I compare the reaction to Bluetorch - among core extreme sports retailers - to where we were a few months ago with a single sport brand (surf), I see a greater number of styles being booked and more doors per retailer. I think this reflects a brand (Bluetorch) that has authentic roots in more than one category, and therefore will translate to both more styles being carried, and a larger pool of potential retail outlets."
The company also stated that initial Bluetorch production would be shipped to select retailers next week including Jack's Surfboards in Huntington Beach, CA, in time for the Holidays.
About Zumiez & Local Motion
Tom Campion started operations in Everett, WA in 1978 with one store called "Above the Belt." This store catered to the young men's and women's market. In 1988, the firm recognized that there was a new opportunity in the retail apparel business. This opportunity was providing apparel for the extreme sports enthusiast. Campion's retail operation has been a pioneer in this category ever since. In 1997, the company changed the name of the retail stores to Zumiez. Zumiez now operates 98 stores in 12 states and plans call for aggressive expansion going forward. For more information about Zumiez, please visit: www.zumiez.com
For over 30 years, Local Motion has served the surfing community in Hawaii, one of the surfing hot spots in the world. This retailer is known worldwide as the very best surfers in the world frequently travel to the islands in order to "catch a wave." Local Motion operates three flagship stores and a total of seven in Hawaii. For more information about Local Motion, please visit: www.localmotionhawaii.com
About Bluetorch Inc.
Bluetorch Inc. is an emerging extreme sports company with a well-defined growth strategy focused on licensing, marketing and sales of various products for the extreme sports enthusiast. The Company's management team is focused on increasing shareholder value while expanding its product line to address the needs of the extreme sports arena- one of the fastest-growing segments in the sporting goods and apparel industries. Additionally, Bluetorch Inc. is aggressively seeking compatible acquisition candidates in order to contribute to expanding marketing channels, which in turn can contribute growth in revenues and earnings.
Safe Harbor:
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance development and results of the Company's business include but are not limited to fluctuations in financial results, availability and customer acceptance of our products and services, the impact of competitive products, services and pricing, general market trends and conditions, and other risks detailed in the Company's SEC reports.