Sears and Red Wing Shoe Company Team Up to Launch Co-Branded Footwear Line
New Line Marks Red Wing's First Presence at National Retailer
Two of the nation's leading brands team up -- and it's a natural fit.
Combining the quality of America's No. 1 name in tools, Craftsman®, with the No. 1 name in work boots, Red Wing Shoes, a new co-branded line of professional-grade work footwear is launching nationwide this spring. Craftsman by Red Wing footwear is now available to trade professionals and do-it-yourselfers at 437 Sears stores.
The new line marks Red Wing's first presence at the national retail outlet, and Sears' first extension of the top-rated Craftsman tool brand to footwear. This also is Red Wing's first co-branded initiative.
Craftsman by Red Wing footwear is handcrafted in the U.S. by skilled shoemakers in Red Wing, Minn., home of Red Wing Shoe Company.
Red Wing Shoe Company is currently recognized as a footwear leader by both employers and workers in industrial and manufacturing trades. Craftsman, the top-selling tool brand in the U.S., is a cornerstone brand for Sears, America's No. 1 tool store.
The rugged Craftsman by Red Wing footwear offers the comfort, innovation and durability synonymous with both Craftsman tools and Red Wing shoes. The footwear line's SuperSole wraparound technology uses extremely cushioned urethane to provide superior protection against the elements and sure-footed traction without adding unnecessary weight. Each style is made with A-select, full grain leather, providing the highest quality leather available.
The initial lineup of Craftsman by Red Wing footwear consists of four styles:
* Brown 6" work boot -- features a soft toe with SuperSole 2.0
construction. An excellent choice for most outdoor construction workers
such as carpenters, roofers, riggers, and ironworkers, as well as the
serious "do-it-yourselfer."
* Brown 6" safety work boot -- touts a steel toe with SuperSole
construction. Perfect for heavy-duty work like manufacturing,
maintenance, installation, fitting, equipment handling and home
improvement. The steel-toe style meets ANSI 75 footwear standards,
specified for many industrial uses.
* Brown pull-on work Wellington -- with a soft toe. Another great option
for most outdoor construction workers such as carpenters, roofers,
riggers, and ironworkers.
* Black work oxford - features single-density polyurethane SuperSole
construction. Delivers exceptional performance to mechanics, service
personnel, and uniformed workers by giving all-day comfort on concrete
while withstanding tough punishment.
The Red Wing by Craftsman footwear line will be available in sizes ranging from men's 7-1/2 to 13, in D and EE widths. This wide range of sizes makes the Craftsman by Red Wing lineup the broadest sizing option available at Sears. Prices for the footwear will range from $150 to $170, based on style. Craftsman by Red Wing footwear is available at many of the larger Sears full-line stores in the U.S.A. Shoppers may go to redwingshoes.com and click the Craftsman by Red Wing icon to access a locator for participating Sears stores.
Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc. (www.redwingshoe.com) is a privately-held corporation based in Red Wing, Minnesota, with distribution in more than 100 countries around the globe. Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc. markets four product lines: Red Wing Shoes®, Irish Setter®, Vasque®, and WORX™ plus accessories and footwear-care products. For more than 95 years, Red Wing Shoe Company has held a solid commitment to four basic principles: quality, craftsmanship, durability and comfort. Red Wing boots and shoes are sold at more than 4,000 dealers nationally, including 430 Red Wing Shoe stores.
The Craftsman tool brand celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2002. Craftsman Sears markets more then 5,000 Craftsman products in 80 tool and equipment categories. More than 80% of Craftsman tools are made in the United States, including 1,800 Craftsman hand tools.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a broadline retailer with significant service and credit businesses. In 2002, the company's revenue was $41.4 billion. The company offers its wide range of apparel, home and automotive products and services to families in the U.S. through Sears stores nationwide, including approximately 870 full-line stores. Sears also offers a variety of merchandise and services through its Web sites, sears.com and landsend.com, and a variety of specialty catalogs.
SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.; Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc.
CONTACT: Ann Woolman, Sears, +1-847-286-7079, awoolma@sears.com; Mike
Fryar, for Red Wing, +1-952-852-6281, fryar@collemcvoy.com