Preliminary Launch with Key Specialty Retailer Extremely Well Received
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Next Inc. (OTCBB:NXTI) an emerging leader in the sportswear and promotional products industry today announced that they have procured an apparel license for Grits Inc., (Girls Raised In The South)through BMI (Brand Management International), exclusive agent for Grits, Inc.
Grits Inc., www.gritsinc.com is a multimillion-dollar merchandising company specializing in women's apparel. Founded by Deborah Ford, a lifelong Southerner and author of "Grits Guide to Life" (non-fiction book of the Year 2004) and "Puttin' On The Grits", Deborah's third book, (now in bookstores) "Grits Friends Are Forevah" has received rave reviews from critics. A fourth book on Southern men, "Bless Their Hearts", is due for release in October 2006.
Now residing in Fairhope, AL, Deborah is in demand as an "all occasion" speaker, including speeches on Southern Genteel Tradition, Southern Culture, or "how to eat your watermelon in a sun dress." Penguin Publishing named Deborah as one of ten Penguin authors to kick-off a new venture for the company, a speakers bureau managed by the publisher.
Deborah was recently recognized for her talent and accomplishments by being named a 2006 Honoree by the Southern Women's Committee of Fifty, at its eighth annual tribute event in Birmingham.
Joe Ferragina, the Company's Exec VP of Sales stated, "We're very pleased to have procured the Apparel license for Grits. The franchise has a very loyal fan base which has allowed the spawning of numerous derivatives of the brand. In a preliminary launch with one of our key specialty retailers, our Grits offerings sold extremely well. We're looking forward to leveraging the brand allowing our retailers to differentiate themselves in their respective markets."
As part of the Grit's license, Next will market and distribute "Primary Colors by Grits" as part of their collegiate offerings. This program is cross licensed between the various universities and Grits, Inc. and allows Next to expand their product offerings to their existing collegiate retailers. The addition of Primary Colors provides a major inroad to solidifying Next position in the growing ladies collegiate market. The slogans on the garments tie in Grits as well as the school colors and mascot. Example: "Southern Girls Know Their Primary Colors....Crimson and White" along with the University of Alabama logo.
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