USA: FTS Apparel Announces Deal With Finish Line

FTS Apparel today announced that it has received an order from Finish Line to carry the company's "Flip the Switch" line of designer sports apparel. This initial order will put the "Flip the Switch" product in more than 20 stores for the coming holiday season. Finish Line is a leader in the athletic apparel industry with more than 400 stores nationwide, serving customers in 41 states. The company generated revenues of more than $330m for the first half of fiscal 2000, while producing net earnings of more than $10m. It also has over $50m cash on the balance sheet. Lonell Morrison, men's apparel buyer for Finish Line, said: "FTS comes to the table with a fresh approach combined with a quality product that incorporates the details necessary to generate success at the retail level and fill a void in our mix." FTS Apparel president, Roger Burnett, said: "As our brand continues to build momentum, it is imperative for us to align ourselves with forward-looking companies like Finish Line who understand where the industry is moving and are willing to take chances to stay ahead of that movement. The excitement of Finish Line further justifies our belief that we have created an interesting niche in an industry where everyone is searching for something new."