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Brooks Sports Launches One-Stop Shopping Solution for Runners Brooksrunning.com's Unique Service Provides Convenience for Customers; Drives Sales to Local Retailers BOTHELL, Wash., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The running industry hits a new retail stride today as Brooks Sports, Inc. launches online shopping functionality to make its performance running product available for purchase anytime, anywhere on brooksrunning.com. Unique to the industry, the new online service allows performance running stores to fulfill Brooks' online orders locally, maintaining the customer-retailer relationship. "Brooks' new online shopping functionality is an exciting way to provide best-of-class service to our customers and retailers," said Jim Weber, president and CEO for Brooks Sports, Inc. "It gives customers what they want, when they want it -- all while strengthening relationships with performance running retailers who represent the center of the running community where they operate." Brooks' new online shopping service gives customers nationwide a one-stop Brooks shopping solution by offering a convenient way to learn about and buy Brooks' technical running gear 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers who shop on brooksrunning.com will enjoy a high level of service that starts within Brooks' site and extends to the local running stores in their area. The new online shopping service benefits specialty running retailers by generating additional Brooks sales beyond their traditional storefront. "For the first time in the running industry, retailers will now enjoy a direct, tangible benefit from a brand's online sales model and integrated corporate marketing efforts," continued Weber. "At no extra cost to participating retailers, Brooks will generate additional sales for our retail partners, and give them new customers they can cultivate for long-term service." Brooks' new online shopping model delivers a seamless e-commerce solution benefiting all involved: -- Customers browse, learn about and order Brooks products online without ever leaving brooksrunning.com. -- Participating retailers are notified daily of brooksrunning.com orders placed by customers located within a 250-mile radius of their store. -- Retailers have the opportunity, if they have the requested product in stock, to fulfill each order, make a sale and gain a new customer. -- Through brooksrunning.com sales and inventory reports, retailers are capable of tracking individual product orders and sales trends in their area, allowing them to better match customer interests and more efficiently plan their own retail inventories. "We're very excited about Brooks' unique approach to online commerce -- one that amazingly supports rather than competes with its retail partners," said Paul Carrozza, CEO of specialty running store RunTex in Austin, Texas. "Along with increased sales and an expanded customer base, Brooks' online shopping reports will help us better assess inventory, streamline forecasting and understand customer interests in our area." To fulfill its unique e-commerce needs, Brooks selected FirePoppy Inc.'s Shopatron network solution. The Shopatron solution benefits manufacturers, retailers and customers in specialty consumer product industries by making it easier for customers to buy products from manufacturers while ensuring stocking retailers can participate by fulfilling orders. "Our retailers have shown great loyalty to the Brooks brand, and we look forward to showing them our loyalty by offering an e-commerce solution that keeps them at the epicenter of the running community," said Parker Karnan, vice president of apparel sales for Brooks Sports, Inc. "It's another step in our relentless pursuit to provide top-notch service to these valued partners." Brooks has long been recognized by the running industry for best-in-class service. Sports Marketing Surveys USA, in its Retail Sales Survey for Spring 2005, recently revealed that specialty running retailers again rank Brooks No. 1 for in-house customer service support, product delivery and sales rep support. Brooks also leads the pack in the survey's Dealer Confidence Index, which measures retailers' overall impressions of each brand. Brooks' new online shopping functionality is the company's latest enhancement to its runner's resource Web site, brooksrunning.com. On the site, customers can also access helpful tools -- such as "Shoe Finder," "Footwear Technology" and "Injury Prevention" -- to learn about proper shoe fitting, gear technologies and other issues pertinent to a runner's lifestyle. About Brooks Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel and accessories in more than 80 countries worldwide. Part of the Russell Corporation (NYSE:RML), Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company's mission is to inspire people to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. Visit http://www.brooksrunning.com/ for more information. Media Contacts: Tamara Hills Brooks Sports, Inc. 425-489-2444 Melissa Chambers Edelman for Brooks Sports, Inc. 206-268-2235 DATASOURCE: Brooks Sports, Inc. CONTACT: Tamara Hills of Brooks Sports, Inc., +1-425-489-2444, or ; or Melissa Chambers of Edelman, +1-206-268-2235, or , for Brooks Sports, Inc. Web site: http://www.brooksrunning.com/

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