RG Barry Expands Footwear Distribution Deal With UTi Integrated Logistics

PICKERINGTON, Ohio, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Accessories marketer R.G. Barry Corporation (Nasdaq: DFZ) and UTi Integrated Logistics, LLC, a subsidiary of UTi Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: UTIW) have entered into an expanded distribution agreement under which UTi will provide all warehousing and distribution services for RG Barry's footwear operating unit through Dec. 31, 2016.

Under the new arrangement, warehousing and distribution services for Dearfoams® slippers, and all of RG Barry's footwear products, will be handled through UTi's Fontana, CA, distribution center. UTi's Fontana operation currently handles logistics services for about 80 percent of the Company's footwear business.

RG Barry announced to its employees on Aug. 25 that it intends to close its 173,000 square-foot leased distribution facility it operates in San Angelo, Texas, no later than May 31, 2012. The Company expects to incur only minimal, non-material costs related to the closing. The San Angelo facility employs approximately 30 people.

According to RG Barry Senior Vice President Global Operations Glenn Evans, "We continue refining our best-in-class distribution system. From a long-range strategic viewpoint, we gain added flexibility, speed to market and the ability to better meet our customers' needs by expanding our existing partnership with a logistics leader like UTi. They have been a great business resource for us for more than six years and we believe that this decision significantly increases our competitive edge by consolidating all of our footwear distribution adjacent to the port where our goods are received."

Gerald Perritt, Senior Vice President Contract Logistics, Americas Region stated, "Throughout our relationship with RG Barry, they have been a true partner.  We are looking forward to the opportunity to continue to deliver even more innovation and value to their supply chain."

About RG Barry

RG Barry creates and markets great accessories brands and fashionable, solution-oriented products that make life better. Our primary brands include: Dearfoams slippers (www.dearfoams.com); baggallini handbags, totes and travel accessories (www.baggallini.com); and Foot Petals premium insoles and comfort products (www.footpetals.com).  To learn more, visit us at www.rgbarry.com.

About UTi Worldwide

UTi Integrated Logistics is a subsidiary of UTi Worldwide Inc. UTi Worldwide is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company providing air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage and other supply chain management services.  The company serves a large and diverse base of global and local companies, including clients operating in industries with unique supply chain requirements such as the pharmaceutical, retail, apparel, chemical, automotive and technology industries.  The company seeks to use its global network, proprietary information technology systems, relationships with transportation providers, and expertise in outsourced logistics services to deliver competitive advantage to each of its clients' supply chains.  For more information, please go to www.go2uti.com.  

SOURCE R.G. Barry Corporation