Newell Rubbermaid's Expo Brand Launches Its First Washable Dry-Erase Markers

ATLANTA, June 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newell Rubbermaid's (NYSE: NWL) Expo® brand of dry erase markers, whiteboards and accessories, today announced the launch of Expo Washable markers, the first line of washable dry erase markers from the brand. Expo Washable markers are formulated to easily wash off of skin, most washable fabrics, carpets, and vinyl and cloth automobile upholstery, making them ideal for use at home, in the classroom and in the car.

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Children use dry erase markers almost everyday, whether writing on the board at school or during creative play at home, but markers are among the most commonly cited difficult- or impossible-to-remove stains.  

"Through our consumer insights work, we discovered an unmet consumer need for a washable dry erase marker," said Sally Grimes, Vice President of Marketing for Newell Rubbermaid's Markers, Highlighters, Art & Office Organization global business unit.  "We found parents and teachers were often frustrated when trying to remove dry erase marker stains and with the expense of having to replace marker-stained clothes. Expo Washable puts an end to this costly and time-consuming problem so parents and teachers can rest assured that no permanent damage should be done to clothing, furniture and most other washable fabrics when children use dry erase markers."

Expo Washable dry erase markers are washable from at least 13 different types of fabric, including most car upholstery and carpet.  They consist of low-odor, non-toxic ink, so the bold, bright colors can be used worry-free in the home or classroom.  The new markers are available in fine- and bullet-point tip sizes and come in six colors: pink, orange, yellow, green, purple and blue.  They work on a variety of whiteboard and non-porous surfaces.

Expo Washable dry erase markers can be found wherever office products are sold and are available in three- and six-count packs as well as a six-count pack with a learning board and a 24-count classroom pack.  Suggested retail price for three-count packs of fine-tip and bullet-tip markers are $3.85 and $4.50, respectively; six pack fine-tip and bullet-tip are $7.70 and $9.00; six-count pack with a learning board is $7.70; and the 24-count classroom pack is $24.80.

For more information about Expo Washable dry erase markers visit www.expomarkers.com.

About Newell Rubbermaid

Newell Rubbermaid Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with 2009 sales of approximately $5.6 billion and a strong portfolio of brands, including Rubbermaid®, Sharpie®, Graco®, Calphalon®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Levolor®, Paper Mate®, Dymo®, Waterman®, Parker®, Goody®, Technical Concepts(TM) and Aprica®.

This press release and additional information about Newell Rubbermaid are available on the company's Web site, www.newellrubbermaid.com.

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SOURCE Newell Rubbermaid