ASICS Finishes Off 2004 Strong

ASICS America Corporation, a leading distributor of performance-driven athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, announced this week a strong finish to 2004. With a record performance in 2004, ASICS surpassed the $200 million mark finishing off the year with $223.8 million in sales, an increase of 12.5% over 2003.

Footwear sales continue to soar with sales up 13.5%, year-to-date. The top selling shoe for ASICS in 2004 was the GT-2090™, with sales numbers up 53% compared to the GT-2080™ in 2003. The GT-2090™ quickly became the top selling shoe, based on sales volume, in ASICS America's history. "Shoes like the GEL-Kayano®, GEL-Nimbus® and the 2000 series have become cornerstones within the ASICS line and have established significant shelf space in retailers across the country," states Jim Hoff, VP Sales. With future orders up 61% for 2005 and consumer response flourishing, footwear continues to be a strong force at ASICS.

Onitsuka Tiger™, ASICS' retro fashion line comprised of shoes resurrected from the vaults in Kobe, Japan of original models released in the '60s, '70s and '80s, has shown incredible popularity in the marketplace. This line has allowed ASICS to reach a brand new demographic comprised of younger, fashion-savvy consumers. Only introduced in the US in 2001, this brand has grown significantly over its few short years in the marketplace. Up 134% in 2004 over the previous year, Onitsuka Tiger™ will continue to expand into new retailers and gain new, dedicated shoe followers.

Other accolades ASICS received this year include Runner's World® magazine naming the GEL-Trabuco® VII "Best Buy" in their Fall Trail Shoe Guide (August 2004), the GEL-Evolution® "Editor's Choice" in the Fall Shoe Guide (September 2004) and the GT-2100™ "Editor's Choice" in the Winter Shoe Guide (December 2004). Sports Marketing Surveys USA named ASICS as ranked "Number One Overall" in their Running Specialty Retail Store Sales Survey for Spring 2004. Another notable moment came when Rulon Gardner, US Olympian in 2000 and 2004, after winning the bronze medal in Athens, retired from his inspiring wrestling career by leaving his ASICS wrestling shoes on the mat in honor of the sport.

With the future looking very promising for ASICS, Rich Bourne, ASICS America Corporation President, says, "ASICS has been an organization that has been extremely consistent over the years and that consistency within innovative technology, dedication to continuous product innovations and the desire to be the best athletic brand is paying off in large dividends." With bookings up 36.8% over the previous year, a strong order backlog and ever-increasing brand awareness, ASICS looks to break records two years in a row.

The stripe design featured on the sides of ASICS® shoes is a trademark of ASICS Corporation and is a registered trademark in most countries of the world.

www.asicsamerica.com

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