Merrell Opens Flagship Store in San Francisco's Historic Union Square

First Ever U.S. Company-Owned Store Brings Technical Functionality and Innovative Style to Bay Area

Merrell, a leader in performance outdoor footwear and apparel, opens its first-ever company-owned U.S. retail store this August in San Francisco's Union Square district. The 2,400 square foot flagship will be located at 285 Geary Street and will showcase a complete selection of men's, women's and children's merchandise.

"San Francisco is recognized as a community of active, outdoor enthusiasts and urbanites, all synergistic to Merrell's core company values," says Seth Cobb, VP and General Manager of Merrell. "We are excited to be a part of San Francisco's retail community and to take on an active role in our flagship's city."

The store's interior design reinforces Merrell's dedication to the active outdoor market by featuring a combination of natural and technical materials that help bring the outdoor experience in a retail location. A color scheme of Merrell orange and muted neutrals complements the stone flooring and river rock baseboards and the vertical wood grain surfaces, grass panels and textural, recycled coverings and hardware for the store's footwear and apparel fixtures.

"Merrell seeks to inspire the outdoor athlete in everyone," says Cobb. "In turn, we are actively pursuing partnerships with city parks, sports organizations and charities in the Metro San Francisco area to support our local customers' passions. We hope to step into the community and give back in many ways."

The Union Square Merrell store is designed as a cutting edge example of "evolved retail," making it not merely a place to make a purchase, but also a crossroads for its customers. The Merrell store will deliver a consumer experience that goes beyond shopping whether it is by the staff that live and breathe Merrell's enthusiasm for active outdoor pursuits or by the community bulletin board inside the store that serves as a community resource and guide to the outdoors, through sponsored events, bulletin boards, and seminars; the store will serve as a model for future Merrell store expansions.

In addition to the active and casual footwear Merrell is known for, the flagship store will offer a wide selection of the brand's multi-use technical jackets, fleece, long and short sleeve shirts, pants and hats as well as packs and bags. Store hours, community involvement details and partnerships will be announced at a later date.

About Merrell

Founded in 1981, Merrell has become known as a leader in contemporary outdoor footwear. Merrell believes in continuously expanding the outdoor journey of discovery and freedom through its products that encourage and equip everyone to get outside. Merrell products are available through leading retailers in the U.S. and through 44 distributors and subsidiaries around the world. Merrell also has three independently owned retail stores in Huntington, Long Island, NY, Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit the company's Web site, www.merrell.com.

About Wolverine

With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active and lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell® Footwear and Apparel, Sebago® and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of popular brands including CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in over 170 countries. For additional information, please visit our Web site, www.wolverineworldwide.com.